Sportsnaut
For the Miami Dolphins, this offseason was all about smashing the reset button from the top down. They hired a new general manager, head coach, and even said goodbye to an expensive franchise quarterback while replacing him with a new one. The new regime also highlighted three franchise cornerstones, or “pillars.” Two of those three players have already committed to long-term contracts; the third, All-Pro linebacker Jordyn Brooks, is entering the final year of his deal.
As for the other players? They’re all fighting for opportunities, hoping to become one of those “pillars” that GM Jon-Eric Sullivan spoke of. Unfortunately, one position group has a lot of ground to make up.
The Dolphins not only released Tyreek Hill this offseason, but they also surprisingly traded Jaylen Waddle too. It wiped away their top two pass-catchers from last season. It also leaves new starting QB Malik Willis without an established go-to receiver.
Miami’s receiver group is composed of Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, Malik Washington, third-round rookie Chris Bell, third-round rookie Caleb Douglas, fifth-round rookie Kevin Coleman Jr., Terrace Marshall Jr., and Jalen Reagor. There’s certainly some upside within the group, but will an alpha emerge?
Some, like ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, have said that the Dolphins’ group of skill position players is the “worst he’s seen.”
Of course, it wasn’t all bad. Like others, Barnwell also sees some upside lurking in Miami. The question is whether the coaching staff can help them reach it. While ranking the Dolphins’ skill position group dead last may feel a bit harsh, it’s fair considering it’s an unproven group that hasn’t gotten a chance to be a team’s top target. Yet, it feels like any one of them could emerge, and they’ll certainly get opportunities now.
But of course, there’s no guarantee this group reaches its potential. That’s where the Dolphins will have to prove themselves before climbing the rankings. If it all goes well, the Dolphins will find a No. 2 and possibly a No. 3 receiver from this group. Who knows? There might even be another superstar lurking in the wings, and we just don’t know it yet. That’s what the Dolphins are hoping for, too.
Related: Young Miami Dolphins Receiver Off to Fast Start Learning New Offense
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