Dolphins sign ex-Clemson star Merling

The Dolphins signed the eighth of their nine picks Friday, one day before the start of training camp.

Defensive end Phillip Merling, who was chosen with the 32nd overall pick of the NFL Draft, will be in attendance at Saturday's 9 a.m. practice, according to a source close to Merling.

Merling, who was selected out of Clemson, is expected to make an immediate impact and is likely to see significant playing time in 2008.

Quarterback Chad Henne, the second of two second-round choices, had not signed.

Henne's agent, Justin Schulman was hopeful earlier this week that Henne would be signed by the start of training camp.

A deal could be finished Saturday, and Henne could be in camp as soon as Saturday night's practice.

This story was originally published July 27, 2008 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Dolphins sign ex-Clemson star Merling."