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AROUND THE SHIELD — The purge continues in Miami.
A day after former BYU defensive standout John Denney was waived by the Miami Dolphins following 14 seasons with the club, another local product was out of the organization.
Linebacker Nate Orchard, a Highland High product and former Utah standout, was released Tuesday by the Dolphins.
As the Dolphins make the inevitable march toward what many consider a top pick in the 2020 NFL draft, Orchard's now-former defensive line coach Marion Hobby held the pass rusher in high regard.
"Nate is such an unselfish player," Hobby told the Palm Beach Post. "If you ask him a question, he’s going to tell you the truth. I've been pleased with his progress. I think he’s been doing a good job of taking coaching and sometimes you have to keep him focused. The things he’s done well – I thrive on the well rather than the negative."
The cut brings the number of former high school and college football standouts playing in the NFL to 43 — but more cuts are possible by the regular-season opener this weekend.
Two more players found their way on to practice squads after the cut-down deadline. Former Utah State cornerback Jalen Davis was added to the Arizona Cardinals' practice squad Tuesday, joining former Utah linebacker Kylie Fitts in the desert.
The duo join former Utah and Brighton High linebacker Jackson Barton (Colts), Logan High quarterback Luke Falk (Jets) and Weber State guard Sua Opeta (Eagles) on practice contracts around the league.
A full list of Locals in the NFL, as well as practice-squad players, is below.
