The Miami Dolphins on Friday signed third-round draft pick defensive end Kendall Langford of Hampton University to a four-year contract. The Dolphins have signed all but two of their nine 2008 draft choices leaving defensive end Phillip Merling and quarterback Chad Henne as the only unsigned picks. Langford will be counted upon to help bolster an underachieving defensive line that finished the season ranked No. 24 in sacks.

The 6-foot-6, 290-pound Langford registered 236 tackles (110 solo) with 24.5 sacks, 56.5 tackles for loss and 39 quarterback pressures during his collegiate career. Langford earned three consecutive All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference selections.

"Kendall's extremely excited about starting his NFL career, and officially becoming a part of the storied Miami Dolphins franchise. He will continue to make every effort to be an early contributor to this team in any way the coaches deem fit," said agent Adisa Bakari.

During a phone interview with the rookie defensive lineman on Friday he appeared set and raring to go.

"I'm ready to put the pads on," Langford said. "I believe I fit in well with the defense and I'm a pro now so I have to get in there and get it. I'm playing with men now and have to be ready. Veterans Vonnie Holliday, Jason Ferguson and Randy Starks have helped me prepare for what comes next."

Langford said that everyone looks good in shorts, but once you put the pads on that is what separates the men from the boys.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Langford has been a quick study and out performed the team's second-round pick defensive end Phillip Merling during mini-camp.

The person who probably knows best the havoc Langford is capable of creating on the field is Hampton head coach Jerry Holmes, who described him as being well-rounded and nasty in the trenches.

"Kendall became a dominate player around his sophomore year," Holmes said. "His character was always good and he developed into a very fine leader. More important I enjoyed watching Kendall grow as a student athlete. I believe his best football is ahead of him.

"He's a very strong player. I've seen him hold a tight end up and take on the fullback or hold a tackle up and take on a double-team when the tight end is dropping down on him. I think his strength is one of his biggest assets on the field. I often said that Kendall is one of those guys you want with you when you're walking down the alley. He plays with a lot of attitude."

The Dolphins coaching staff had some real insight in terms of drafting Langford. Holmes and head coach Tony Sparano served in the league together as coaches with Cleveland and Washington.

Holmes said Sparano had been impressed with Langford for quite some time and that was the reason the team took him high in the third round. He also said that Sparano was impressed with some of the things that Langford was able to do in mini-camp.

Langford is very versatile and a gifted athlete. He was a running quarterback playing football growing up and played some tight end before making the switch to defense. He'll be used as a defensive end in the 3-4 scheme traditionally ran by Bill Parcell's defenses. Langford should adapt quickly having played in a similar defense at Hampton.

Langford is a pure pass-rusher and a perfect fit for the Dolphins defense. He plays with great leverage and power. He has the agility and quickness to angle and stunt. When the tackle blocks down he's going to try and blow up the guard.

Right now, Langford is working with the second and third team defense, but is expected to see some reps with the first unit playing in rotation. He will likely be ready to take over a starting role midway through his second year due to the level of competition he played in college. He will have to improve on his overall technique, hips and staying low, and being more consistent at the pro level.

Langford said the team drafted him to make plays and he's prepared to deliver.

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