Miami Dolphins defensive end Derrick Shelby should have ample opportunity to build on his 34-tackle, 2.5-sack 2013 campaign with a less-limited role this coming season, especially with Dion Jordan suspended the first four games.
Regardless, the third-year undrafted defender has been preparing like a guy who is undrafted. That guy? Star pass rusher Cam Wake.
“He came in the same way I came in -- undrafted, having to prove himself,” Shelby said recently of Wake, via the Sun-Sentinel, “and look at him now, a Pro Bowler, so why not take notes from that guy?”
Shelby, who also had two tackles for a loss and a pair of forced fumbles in 2013, has focused on quickness in working under the veteran Wake's wing.
“I don’t want to say it was an issue (last season),” Shelby said, “but my burst has gotten better. Running extra with Cam definitely helps…He runs a little bit too much. In the weight room I can usually keep up.”
At 6-foot-2, 280 pounds, Shelby is capable of working in the defensive end rotation, whether it's spelling Wake or Oliver Vernon on a run down or providing an extra body for the defensive front on a passing down. Or something in between.
“[Coach] always says the more you can do, the better," Shelby said, "so I’m just trying to see where I fit in with this great group of guys we have.”
