After Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the Dolphins did not have a player who had more than 35 receptions in 2023.
MIAMI — Even the NFL’s top-ranked offense thas room to improve.
The Miami Dolphins led the league in yards per game in 2023, thanks to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and receiver Tyreek Hill. But their passing game faltered down the stretch, as they failed to surpass 250 passing yards in six of their last eight games, including the playoffs.
Tua Tagovailoa y Tyreek Hill. Getty Images/Megan Briggs
In part, Miami’s drop from the 287.4 yards it averaged in the first half of the season can be explained by the improved competition it faced, particularly in December. He was also forced to play without Hill nor fellow catcher Jaylen Waddle in three of his final four regular-season games.
Experience has made finding a third receiving option be a priority this offseason.
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Hill and Waddle dominated in terms of targets and yards; 171 for 1,799 yards for Hill and 104 for 1,014 for Waddle. Miami’s next leading receiver was tight end Durham Smythe, with 35 receptions for 366 yards on 43 targets. Wide receivers Cedrick Wilson and Braxton Berrios combined for 534 yards.
The third receiving option doesn’t necessarily have to be a wide receiver; It is more of a concept than a concrete position. But would benefit Tagovailoaand the Dolphins offense, identify and develop a reliable receiver behind Hill and Waddle.
Here are some options:
At home
Erik Ezukanma of the Miami Dolphins. EPA/CAROLINE BREHMAN
Considering the imminent free agency of Berríos and River Cracraft, Miami must do additions to your wide receiver room regardless of who is currently scheduled to return. The Dolphins enter the offseason with Hill, Waddle, Wilson and the fourth-round pick of 2022, Erik Ezukanma, in his squad.
Ezukanma’s career has not yet taken off despite a promising 2022 preseason. He spent most of the 2023 season on injured reserve with a neck injury, but offers size and versatility if he can stay healthy.
free agency
Tyler Boyd, con los Cincinnati Bengals. AP Photo
The presence of Hill and Waddle means that Miami won’t have to spend much in free agency. There are a limited number of goals to go around, so players like Tee Higgins, Calvin Ridley or even Gabriel Davis probably aren’t in the plans (or price range) of the Dolphins.
But a player like Kendrick Bournewho last played for the New England Patriots in 2023, could fit into the mold. He may be available at a discount after tearing his ACL in Week 8 and is a good route runner who played for a bad Patriots offense the last two seasons. Tyler Boyd is also a free agent after recording 6,000 yards in eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Draft
Ladd McConkey, de Georgia Bulldogs. Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images
The Dolphins possess six picks in this year’s draftincluding a first-round pick, which they haven’t had since 2021.
Mel Kiper Jr. has the receivers Adonai Mitchell and Troy Franklin, from Texas and Oregon, respectively, seeking Miami’s 21st overall pick. But with more frequent issues on their offensive line, it’s unlikely the Dolphins will pursue a receiver in the first round.
But Ladd McConkey, from Georgia, the Devontez Walker, from North Carolina, they could be options for the second dayas does Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk.
Or, the Dolphins could go with the Texas tight end, Ja’Tavion Sanders, who has eclipsed 600 yards received in each of the last two seasons. He’s a converted running back, but he’s explosive as a ball carrier, something coach Mike McDaniel values.
Add a trusted third option isn’t necessarily at the top of Miami’s to-do list this offseason, but he should be close if he hopes to take the next step in his rebuild and start winning playoff games.
2024-02-02 16:50:00
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