Dolphins Q&A: How many wide receivers is too many for Miami?
Here’s the latest installment of our Miami Dolphins Q&A, where South Florida Sun Sentinel writers Safid Deen and Omar Kelly answer questions from readers.
Q: How many wide receivers is too many? – @Adin8888 on Twitter
A: This is a funny question once you realize the Dolphins have worked their way into having 12 wide receivers on their roster — a month before the 2021 NFL draft.
So, what does it all mean?
Are the Dolphins going to draft a receiver such as LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase or Alabama studs DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle? What about Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, who is also among the best pass-catchers available?
Do the Dolphins supplement their offensive line with Oregon left tackle Penei Sewell? Or draft talented Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons to be their featured edge-rusher?
And there must be a trade down scenario the Dolphins can benefit from with the No. 3 pick and a few teams looking to draft a quarterback, right?
Look, the Dolphins’ wide receiver room needed some new pieces after a sluggish end to the 2020 season, when Miami fell one win short of reaching the playoffs. And the Dolphins’ investment in finding a few new players for a competitive training camp shows the team realized one of its downfalls from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s rookie season.
Tagovailoa was not afforded quite the continuity or availability from some of his receivers last season due to injuries and lack of adequate depth. The hope is the Dolphins can not only find a spark from these receivers, but it lasts during the 2021 season.
Even though they reached a one-year deal, Will Fuller V was the Dolphins’ big free-agent signing this offseason. Fuller is known for his breakaway speed, which leads to game-changing plays that could put points on the scoreboard in a hurry.
Fuller joins DeVante Parker and Preston Williams as potential No. 1 receivers on the roster. When at their best, they are good. But all three have dealt with their fair share of injuries during their careers.
Lynn Bowden Jr. and Malcolm Perry will enter their second season in the NFL, where Miami hopes some familiarity and growth could make a difference. Both players are talented but need to fully grasp a new offense before their playmaking ability shines.
Jakeem Grant and Mack Hollins were thrust into prominent receiver roles last season due to injuries, but better known for their work on special teams.
Albert Wilson and Allen Hurns will return after opting out last season due to COVID-19 concerns. The Dolphins value Hurns’ veteran savvy and Wilson’s home-run play ability but are unsure how both players will perform after a year off.
Kirk Merritt returns after a year on Miami’s practice squad, Robert Foster joined the team in free agency hoping to carve out a role, and the Dolphins will give a look at Kai Locksley, who will transition from college quarterback to receiver.
The Dolphins have 12 receivers, could get upwards of 15 to have enough bodies for training camp, and might trim it down to six for the opening day roster.
But Miami’s quest to address the receiver position is an important step the franchise must take during their rebuilding process under coach Brian Flores and general manager Chris Grier.
Have a question?
Email Safid Deen, or tag @OmarKelly or @Safid_Deen on Twitter.
Previously answered:
What are the Dolphins’ top free-agent needs?
What could cause the Dolphins defense to regress in 2021?
Shouldn’t stacking more young talent be the Dolphins’ focus this offseason?
Why is this offseason so crazy regarding QB movement?
Are the Dolphins done spending big in free agency?
What would be the perfect offseason for Miami?
How close are the Dolphins to having another ‘Unicorn’ offensive line?
Which QB could come to Miami to be Tua’s backup?
Why are the Dolphins always used as pawns by agents?
Should the Dolphins trade for Lions QB Matthew Stafford?
Is the return of Davon Godchaux and Vince Biegel enough to improve Miami’s defense?
What should Miami’s approach be to improve the run game?
Which Dolphins player had the best rookie season?
What’s a fair trade offer for Texans QB Deshaun Watson?
Would you rather build around Tua and draft picks or Deshaun Watson?
