Each season a rookie steps up to exceed expectations. This phenomenon happens to teams across the NFL. Call it the hidden gem or diamond in the rough. Regardless of what it is called, each NFL team gets at least one a season. Last season the Miami Dolphins hidden gem was Kader Kohou. Kohou was an undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M-Commerce who had a remarkable 2022 season. Kohou had 72 tackles, including a forced fumble, 10 pass deflections, and an interception while playing cornerback. This season another hidden gem that will be uncovered is Anthony Montalvo.
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Anthony Montalvo is the 2023 Miami Dolphins Hidden Gem
Classifying Montalvo as a hidden gem solely on the fact he signed as an undrafted rookie free agent is likely unfair. Montalvo was a highly productive defensive tackle for the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights. In five seasons (50 games) for the Knights, Montalvo racked up 129 tackles (65 solo, 64 assisted) and six sacks. Montalvo also defended against four passes, recovered two fumbles, and forced another.
He has a high motor and an exceptional nose for the football. Montalvo was arguably one of the Knights’ best defensive players last season. For those who have not seen him play, Montalvo is the real deal. If he plays with the tenacity and determinedness he did while in Orlando, Dolphins fans will be elated.
Anthony Montalvo Will Remind Dolphins Fans of…
Zach Sieler is a comparable player to what Montalvo will prove to be. Sieler has come to be an unsung hero of sorts for the Dolphins. While not an undrafted free agent, Sieler was a seventh-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens, in 2018.
Since joining the Dolphins in 2019, the former Division II (Ferris State [MI]), prospect has played in 53 games. In his full three seasons with Miami, Sieler has played in every game. For his Dolphins career, Sieler has amassed 166 tackles (85 solo, 81 assisted), including 10 sacks. Sieler has also defended against nine passes and forced three fumbles while recovering two. While listed as a defensive end Sieler has seen significant time as an interior defensive lineman, in his time in the Magic City.
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Why Anthony Montalvo and Not Another Dolphins Rookie
While this writer may be biased (having attended all UCF home games over the past two seasons), knowing the game, some players have what can be called an X factor. Much like the television show where contestants have more than just talent, but also something else, Montalvo has that indescribable and unobservable quality.
Maybe it is his nose for the football. Maybe it is his determination to be involved in every play. It could be the fierceness with which he attacks and defeats larger opponents. Whatever it is, much like Kader Kohou, last season and to an extent, Zach Sieler, Anthony Montalvo too has the X factor.
Every season each NFL team has a hidden gem among its rookie corps. Last season’s hidden gem was Kader Kohou. This season Dolphins fans will see that title bestowed on defensive tackle Anthony Montalvo. While considered a hidden gem because he was undrafted, undrafted or not, the Dolphins got a player who will prove to be highly effective on the defensive side of the ball for years to come.
Main Photo: Katie Stratman – USA Today Sports
