Report: Dolphins and Chiefs both interested in potential hidden gem from TCU

The Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs reportedly have both invited former Texas Christian University linebacker Jamoi Hodge to their rookie minicamps.

Hodge appeared in 37 games for the Horned Frogs over the last three seasons and was a two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention selection.

Miami begins OTA (organized team activities) offseason workouts on May 20, and the team’s minicamp for rookies is just before from May 10 through May 12.

As for Kansas City, the team’s rookie minicamp begins on May 4, which means Hodge has to make a decision soon on whether or not he’d like to attend. Kansas City’s OTAs begin on May 20 as well.

During his time at TCU, Hodge registered 223 total tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and one interception. Miami could use another linebacker on its roster after moving on from Jerome Baker – who signed with the Seattle Seahawks – this offseason.

After losing to the Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs last season, Miami would hate to see Kansas City sign a player that it is also interested in, as it could come back to haunt the team down the line.

It also doesn’t help that the defending Super Bowl champions are pursuing Hodge, as it could make things tougher on Miami to sell him on joining the franchise.

Miami’s defense has seen a ton of turnover since the start of the offseason, as former Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio moved on to a new role with the Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami lost several players as well.

With Xavien Howard, Baker, Christian Wilkins, Andrew Van Ginkel and Brandon Jones no longer with the team, there are spots open on the Dolphins defense for new players to make their marks.

Hodge’s best season in college may have been in the 2022 campaign when the Horned Frogs made the national title game against the University of Georgia. He appeared in 15 games that season, racking up a career-high 42 solo tackles and seven tackles for loss.

He recorded 82 or more tackles in each of his final two seasons at TCU and picked up at least three sacks in each season as well. It’ll be interesting to see if he can stick with an NFL team this offseason and into the 2024 regular season.