The Miami Dolphins have added a new quarterback to their roster for 2024 in the form of Gavin Hardison, an undrafted prospect from UTEP. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network announced the signing shortly after the NFL draft concluded on April 27. Pelissero shared details from Hardison’s scouting report, which noted that he is a four-year starter, standing at 6 feet 1 and 7/8 inches tall and weighing 206 pounds. Hardison’s final college season was cut short due to Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow in November. Despite concerns about his accuracy and ongoing recovery from injury, Hardison was described as a tough player with distinct arm talent by an AFC coordinator. Hardison was ranked 19th among all quarterbacks in the 2024 class and was initially projected to be a seventh-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent, ultimately signing with the Dolphins as the latter.

Dolphins’ Signing Gavin Hardison Profiles as Longshot QB Project With Unique Arm

According to a scouting profile from Pro Football Network (PFN) prior to the draft, Gavin Hardison’s standout attribute is his strong arm, capable of making impressive deep throws. PFN analyst Ian Valentino praised Hardison’s experience and impact on the UTEP program, attributing it to his effortless throwing power and fearless playing style. Valentino emphasized that Hardison’s potential surpasses his statistics, noting his ability to launch passes effectively from different positions despite occasional mechanical flaws and a tendency to take risks with deep passes.

Valentino drew comparisons between Hardison and former Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, presenting Fitzpatrick as a positive reference point for Hardison’s development. However, Valentino acknowledged that historically, quarterback prospects with completion rates below 55% have faced scrutiny from evaluators. Hardison’s college completion rate stands at 53.3%, and he is considered an older prospect, turning 24 in May 2024.

In his collegiate career at UTEP, Hardison started 35 games over five seasons, accumulating 7,963 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, and 33 interceptions. Sports Illustrated highlighted that for Hardison to succeed at the NFL level, he will need to overcome concerns related to his injury history and refine aspects of his playing style described as “bad habits.”