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2016 NFL Free Agency: Louisville LB James Burgess signs free agent deal with the Dolphins

The heavy-hitting LB is headed back to Miami

Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Going undrafted in this years NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins sign U of L linebacker James Burgess. Burgess, standing at 5'11" and 227 lbs, was projected to go undrafted in this years draft, according to NFL.com.

Burgess was a thumper of a linebacker for the Cardinals in his college career at Louisville as a three year starter. He came to Louisville from Homestead, FL., with offers from Miami, Florida State, and Alabama to name a few. He was second on the team in tackles with 52 (9 of which came for a loss), trailing only fellow linebacker Keith Kelsey's 57. He would also finish out the 2015 year with 2 fumble recoveries, 4 pass break ups, 1 interception, and a quarterback hurry.

Scouts like the way that Burgess can read a quarterback's eyes and rush into a passing lane to break up the play. Has great athleticism to switch directions and reignite his pursuit. Plays downhill and can make himself "skinny" to make tackles for loss. However, his lack of overall size his a concern for NFL teams at this position. Some question his instincts and overall awareness in zone defense. There are also questions of his overall toughness/physicality. If you watch any of his games though, I really have to question who is saying this (his last hit in the Music City bowl, for instance). But hey, I'm not an NFL scout, so whatever.

I think that Miami's Dallas Crawford has to disagree about Burgess not being physical:

Also, James' pick against Clemson: