Former Wisconsin tight end Hayden Rucci signed to the Miami Dolphins practice squad on Wednesday.
The Dolphins recently released Rucci while cutting their roster to the required total of 53 players. He was unable to crack the top tight end group of Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, Julian Hill and Tanner Conner.
Related: Every former Wisconsin Badger to make an NFL 53-man roster entering 2024 regular season
The former Badger impressed since joining the team as an undrafted free agent after the 2024 NFL draft. He put a stamp on a strong training camp by hauling in a 20-yard touchdown in the Dolphins’ preseason finale. His overall preseason stats include five receptions, 44 yards and that one touchdown.
That output was not enough for Rucci to crack the Week 1 53-man roster, but it was enough to secure him a spot on the Dolphins’ practice squad.
Dolphins' known practice squad guys: Erik Ezukanma, Nik Needham, Hayden Rucci, linebacker Dequan Jackson, Jonathan Harris and safety Jordan Colbert, quarterback Tim Boyle, defensive tackle Naquan Jones and former Seattle receiver D’Wayne Eskridge (as @Schultz_Report noted).
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) August 28, 2024
Rucci’s ascension is somewhat of a surprise after he wasn’t much of a receiving threat during his four-year Wisconsin career (2020-2023). He caught just 17 passes for 200 yards and one touchdown during that time, most of that production coming in 2023.
His style as a blocking-first tight end did not mesh with Phil Longo’s air raid attack. It should mesh with NFL teams, especially one like the Dolphins with a dynamic offense. Then if the former Badger develops his receiving abilities, he could find a consistent home on the active roster.
Rucci is one of three former Badger to sign with an NFL team after going undrafted in April. ILB Maema Njongmeta made the Cincinnati Bengals’ 53-man roster and QB Tanner Mordecai signed to the San Francisco 49ers practice squad.
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