Dolphins Wire UDFA Player Profile: DL Brandon Pili

Continuing our look at the Miami Dolphins’ undrafted free agent class of 2023, we’ve already looked at San Diego State center Alama Uluave and Jackson State linebacker Aubrey Miller Jr.

Focusing again on defense, and a position that could be considered thin for Miami in a depth sense, the Dolphins may have a need for a nose tackle-type defensive lineman who can man the zero-technique. This is an area in which new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio could have a keen eye on how he wants his defensive linemen to mind the gaps.

The Dolphins brought in a few undrafted rookies on the defensive line, edge rushers mainly, but the man in the middle of interest is USC’s Brandon Pili, who Miami signed to a contract that included $100,000 guaranteed following the draft process.

Spending five seasons as a Trojan, the defensive tackle, who can play that zero-tech nose, is an intriguing player to track this summer. He was heading into his senior season in 2021, but an Achilles injury derailed what could have been a draft-worthy campaign four games into the season. However, the year out had him return as a fifth-year senior last season. Pili was productive in 14 games with 25 total tackles (2.5 for loss), a sack and a pass defended.

While primarily taking on blockers in the A-gap and dealing in run-stopping, pass-rushing is an area that Pili will need to improve but shows some promise. He possesses a decent combination of size, at 6-foot-3, quickness off the snap and agility, as he moves well at 345 pounds.

Pili could be a presence in stopping the run, occupying multiple blockers, with the ability to shed and create tackle-for-loss opportunities before a runner can break through the line of scrimmage. In terms of getting to the quarterback overall, Pili tallied 19 pressures for USC last season, which includes 15 hurries, three quarterback hits and a sack.

Lacking elite closing speed in chase situations, manning the interior could be a better road for Pili, as he seems to be much better suited as a nose tackle than an edge rusher.

He does possess quality athleticism, and he has the toughness and football mentality to fight in the trenches making him a tough man to move when he gains leverage. Pili projects as a practice squad candidate and could be a player who can be molded into a solid defensive lineman with proper coaching.

Tuli Tuipulotu and Brandon Pili working through first step drills. pic.twitter.com/7hRxxRoNwv

— Jack Smith 🎙 (@jacksmithpxp) March 21, 2023

USC's Brandon Pili had his sister help him out with his squat workout 😂 @BrandonPili

(via @usc_athletics)pic.twitter.com/hbnc4CbY20

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) March 20, 2020

This is new Miami Dolphins 6’3” 345lbs DL Brandon Pili in high school😳 pic.twitter.com/9CQTH60TXm

— King of Phinland🐬👑 (@KingOfPhinland) April 29, 2023