Duke

Riley

Riley briefly signed on with the Commanders this summer but his time with them was short-lived. The Colts also worked out CB Shemar Bartholomew, LB Milo Eifler, LB David Long, LB Raekwon McMillan and LB Ty Summers.

Riley served as a defensive backup in his age-30 season last year, totaling just three tackles along the way. He can still contribute on special teams, though, having just tied his career-best qualifying tackles tally with six.

Riley is a role-player on defense and a notable contributor on special teams for the Dolphins. He only logged one sack and a pair of TFLs on defense but took the field for 73 percent of the Dolphins’ special teams snaps. His two-way utility was more than enough to earn him a multi-year deal.

Riley, a seven-year veteran, will return for a second season with the Dolphins. In 2021, he served as a depth linebacker and a special teams player. He should maintain that role for Miami in 2022.

“The Dolphins likely would offer each a modest deal,” the Herald said. Johnson came on late for the Dolphins and clearly outplayed Myles Gaskin. This backfield likely still has some real flux in it, with Raheem Mostert a rumored target who Mike McDaniel is familiar with, but Johnson could be a real part of the rotation in 2022.

Riley made eight starts for the Eagles last year, posting 55 tackles, an interception, and two TFLs. He’ll replace Kamu Grugier-Hill as a depth presence and special teams contributor. The Dolphins also added ex-Texans OLB Brennan Scarlet this week.

Riley was a third-round pick in 2017, going 75th overall out of LSU. In college, Riley didn’t start until his final season but blew up the Senior Bowl and Combine with his athleticism -- 4.58 forty and 6.89 three-cone times -- to put himself in the Day 2 conversation. Riley, however, couldn’t crack the Falcons’ defense this year and will get a fresh start as an upside flyer for the Eagles.

Signed in August, Cyprien played a mere 15 snaps for the Eagles Weeks 1-4. With the Falcons losing SS Keanu Neal to a torn Achilles’ last week, they went with Kemal Ishmael next to FS Ricardo Allen in the loss to the Titans Sunday. Cyprien offers them a box safety presence with minimal coverage skills. He’s known more for his physicality. Riley was a former third-round pick who just couldn’t crack the rotation in Atlanta.

Riley (6’1/232) played special teams his first three seasons in Baton Rouge before taking over as a starter in 2016, tallying a team-high 90 tackles including 9.0 for a loss. He made the Tigers’ defensive calls next to thumper Kendell Beckwith. Just a one-year starter, Riley shined at January’s Senior Bowl, then posted top-three SPARQ results among off-ball linebackers at the Combine with a 4.58 forty and impressive three-cone time (6.89). Much as he did at LSU, Riley could open his career covering kicks before pushing for snaps at Will or Sam. He is rangy and a good enough tackler to eventually win a starting job. He joins another speedy LSU linebacker Deion Jones in LSU.

A one-year starter at LSU, Riley goosed his draft stock with an excellent Combine and Senior Bowl. He’ll begin his career as a special teamer, but has the skills and athletic profile to eventually make an impact on defense.