Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) — The Miami Dolphins are trying to build depth in their defensive backfield and are taking a flyer on a former college star.

Defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu has been claimed off waivers by the Dolphins, who hope he can return from a serious knee injury.

Ekpre-Olomu was projected to be a first-round draft pick before he hurt his left knee in his senior season with Oregon. He was instead taken in the seventh round by Cleveland a year ago and spent 2015 rehabilitating.

The Browns released him last week.

"A potential steal," tweeted Dolphins linebacker Spencer Paysinger, who also played at Oregon.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)