Vickerson was drafted by former Miami Dolphins head coach Nick Saban with a seventh-round pick (216th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft. After being late for numerous team meetings the Dolphins considered pulling their contract offer from the table, however he was signed on July 24. After spending two days on the Active/Non-Football Injury list, Vickerson was cleared to practice. After compiling five tackles and a sack in preseason, Vickerson appeared likely to make the team. However, he was placed on Injured Reserve after suffering an ACL injury in a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on September 1. The injury occurred on a low block by a Falcons offensive lineman, and this was not a total surprise. Then offensive line coach Alex Gibbs had previously been accused of teaching cheap shots.