Perfect72
It's Only Happened ONCE!
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/...akdown-receiver-20150119-story.html?track=rss
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel takes a look at every position on the Miami Dolphinsroster, analyzing the players under contract, providing a free agent outlook, and forecasting what the future might hold.
Receiver Returners (8):
Mike Wallace, Jarvis Landry, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Rishard Matthews, Matt Hazel, Michael Preston, Tyler McDonald
Free agents: LaRon Byrd
The former University of Miami standout was placed on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury back in October while a member of Miami's practice squad. He’s not fully recovered yet, but sources claim the Dolphins plan to re-sign Byrd once he can pass a physical.
Analysis: Landry had a productive rookie season, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s more productive slot receivers courtesy of his team-leading 84 receptions, which turned into 758 yards and five touchdowns. Miami will likely build on his success moving forward, but Landry lack of speed could continue to limit him. Wallace led the team in touchdowns (10), but was utilized like a possession receiver, which created some tension within the offense. His contract ($9.9 million due in 2014, $3 million of which becomes guaranteed in he's not released in the first week of March) could make him a cap casualty, or place him on the trading block.
Hartline's projected salary ($5.9 million) doesn’t match his 2014 contribution (39 receptions for 474 yards and two touchdowns). That's why he could be released or asked to restructure his deal this offseason. The same applies for Brandon Gibson, who is owed $3.25 million in 2014. Gibson, who contributed 29 receptions for 295 yards and one touchdown, has some versatility. But releasing him would create $3.25 million in cap space, and the Dolphins presently have some fat trimming to do to get the finances in order. Matthews, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, flashed plenty in training camp and the exhibition season. But his contribution (12 receptions for 135 yards and two touchdowns) in 2014 wasn't impressive. Matthews could have his role elevated if Hartline or Gibson leave, but he needs to become more consistent to become more of a factor. Hazel, the team's 2014 seventh-round pick, hasn't proven he's anything more than a camp body, which is exactly how Preston and McDonald, who were both signed to future contracts this month, should be viewed.
Forecasting: Wallace is the first domino that needs to fall, and what Miami does with him impacts everyone else in this unit. Head coach Joe Philbin needs to decide if he can coach Wallace, who sources say feels deceived by Miami’s coaches and front office. And quarterback Ryan Tannehill has to want to develop a better relationship with Wallace, one that fosters trust between the big-play receiver and young quarterback. If neither can be done expect Wallace to be moved via a trade or his released. If that’s the case then expect Miami to retain at least one of the team’s other expensive receivers – Hartline or Gibson – which would keep the offense from starting from scratch. Hartline was phased out of the offense last season, but could easily regain his status as Tannehill's favorite target. It is possible that Miami’s front office will ask Hartline and/or Gibson to restructure their contract, which would create necessary cap room.
The free agent crop of receivers is relatively deep with playmakers like Dez Bryant, Michael Crabtree, Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith, Demaryius Thomas, Reggie Wayne and Wes Welker in it. There are also a few decent bargains available, like Hakeem Nicks, Eddie RoyalLeonard Hankerson and Darrius Heyward-Bey. But the Dolphins might struggle to find the money for a top shelf receiver considering they'll likely command deals in the $40-70 million range. And the Dolphins could find it difficult to convince any of them to pick the Miami over another team without overpaying. How Miami has utilized and handled Wallace doesn't exactly sell the franchise or offense well.
This draft features a few decent receivers like UM's Phillip Dorsett, FSU's Rashad Greene, East Carolina's Justin Hardy, Stanford's Ty Montgomery, Fresno State's Josh Harper, Baylor's Antwan Goodley, Utah's Dres Anderson and Auburn's Sammie Coates that will be available in the second or third day. But it would likely take most of these youngsters half a season to gain a level of comfort in Miami's offense. Does Philbin and staff have the time and patience needed to wait on these rookies considering the coaching staff is entering a win or you're out season in 2015?
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel takes a look at every position on the Miami Dolphinsroster, analyzing the players under contract, providing a free agent outlook, and forecasting what the future might hold.
Receiver Returners (8):
Mike Wallace, Jarvis Landry, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Rishard Matthews, Matt Hazel, Michael Preston, Tyler McDonald
Free agents: LaRon Byrd
The former University of Miami standout was placed on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury back in October while a member of Miami's practice squad. He’s not fully recovered yet, but sources claim the Dolphins plan to re-sign Byrd once he can pass a physical.
Analysis: Landry had a productive rookie season, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s more productive slot receivers courtesy of his team-leading 84 receptions, which turned into 758 yards and five touchdowns. Miami will likely build on his success moving forward, but Landry lack of speed could continue to limit him. Wallace led the team in touchdowns (10), but was utilized like a possession receiver, which created some tension within the offense. His contract ($9.9 million due in 2014, $3 million of which becomes guaranteed in he's not released in the first week of March) could make him a cap casualty, or place him on the trading block.
Hartline's projected salary ($5.9 million) doesn’t match his 2014 contribution (39 receptions for 474 yards and two touchdowns). That's why he could be released or asked to restructure his deal this offseason. The same applies for Brandon Gibson, who is owed $3.25 million in 2014. Gibson, who contributed 29 receptions for 295 yards and one touchdown, has some versatility. But releasing him would create $3.25 million in cap space, and the Dolphins presently have some fat trimming to do to get the finances in order. Matthews, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, flashed plenty in training camp and the exhibition season. But his contribution (12 receptions for 135 yards and two touchdowns) in 2014 wasn't impressive. Matthews could have his role elevated if Hartline or Gibson leave, but he needs to become more consistent to become more of a factor. Hazel, the team's 2014 seventh-round pick, hasn't proven he's anything more than a camp body, which is exactly how Preston and McDonald, who were both signed to future contracts this month, should be viewed.
Forecasting: Wallace is the first domino that needs to fall, and what Miami does with him impacts everyone else in this unit. Head coach Joe Philbin needs to decide if he can coach Wallace, who sources say feels deceived by Miami’s coaches and front office. And quarterback Ryan Tannehill has to want to develop a better relationship with Wallace, one that fosters trust between the big-play receiver and young quarterback. If neither can be done expect Wallace to be moved via a trade or his released. If that’s the case then expect Miami to retain at least one of the team’s other expensive receivers – Hartline or Gibson – which would keep the offense from starting from scratch. Hartline was phased out of the offense last season, but could easily regain his status as Tannehill's favorite target. It is possible that Miami’s front office will ask Hartline and/or Gibson to restructure their contract, which would create necessary cap room.
The free agent crop of receivers is relatively deep with playmakers like Dez Bryant, Michael Crabtree, Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin, Torrey Smith, Demaryius Thomas, Reggie Wayne and Wes Welker in it. There are also a few decent bargains available, like Hakeem Nicks, Eddie RoyalLeonard Hankerson and Darrius Heyward-Bey. But the Dolphins might struggle to find the money for a top shelf receiver considering they'll likely command deals in the $40-70 million range. And the Dolphins could find it difficult to convince any of them to pick the Miami over another team without overpaying. How Miami has utilized and handled Wallace doesn't exactly sell the franchise or offense well.
This draft features a few decent receivers like UM's Phillip Dorsett, FSU's Rashad Greene, East Carolina's Justin Hardy, Stanford's Ty Montgomery, Fresno State's Josh Harper, Baylor's Antwan Goodley, Utah's Dres Anderson and Auburn's Sammie Coates that will be available in the second or third day. But it would likely take most of these youngsters half a season to gain a level of comfort in Miami's offense. Does Philbin and staff have the time and patience needed to wait on these rookies considering the coaching staff is entering a win or you're out season in 2015?
