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State of the Unit: Wide Receiver

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by zwave21, Jan 23, 2015.

  1. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    2014 Recap: The LB unit is definitely the most overpaid unit per production on our team. WR is not far behind, as Ellerbe can claim injury this season but I ain't buying lol. Wallace I thought had a much better season this year and he did have 10 TD's but he is damn near annoying at this point. His demeanor is obvious on the field and that display the last week is awful. Regardless, play for your teammates or at least your pride. He quit plain and simple. Hartline might be the most overpaid in the NFL, just as Wallace may be. Gibson is overpaid too. TGF Landry as our 2nd round pick caught 84 balls besides playing mop up duty the 1st four weeks. He will become an upper echelon slot WR in the coming years but he is not the type of WR that can take over alone. He is more a nice piece to a bigger puzzle, if you catch my drift. I liek Rishard Matthews or I did before this year. I can't get a grip on him despite the staff's persistence to not give him a fair shot.

    The Unit: God Ireland went out in a big way and a lot of people foresaw this happening with Wallace/Hartline/Gibson spree. It seems great at the time but injuries, lack of chemistry, and overall lack of fit has made this expendable. Landry is a piece to keep and build with. The problem is again we have many needs and to cut those three would leave Landry and who knows about Matthews, our 2013 pick Matt Hazel was on PS and was a decent prospect coming out but he is similar to Landry is anything. That would be a full unit reconsturction with all those cuts but it would create some $$$ as well. What we have lacked is an Alpha WR, which we had a few years back but traded for some vagisil and toothpicks. A big target who goes up for the ball would be a better weapon for our QB than a speed guy with a bad attitude.

    Areas of Concern: Size; Alpha WR; Depth; Production per $$$

    Free Agents: None

    Possible Cuts: Mike Wallace; Brian Hartline; Brandon Gibson; Rishard Matthews

    Potential Free Agents: Kenny Britt (STL); Dez Bryant (DAL); Randall Cobb (GB); Michael Crabtree (SF); Leonard Hankerson (WASH); Jeremy Maclin (PHI); Hakeem Nicks (IND); Eddie Royal (SD); Cecil Shorts (JAX); Torrey Smith (BAL); Demaryius Thomas (DEN)

    Top Draft Options: Amari Cooper (ALA); Devante Parker (L'Ville); Kevin White (WVU); Jaelen Strong (ASU); Dorial Green-Beckham (OU); Sammie Coates (Auburn); Devin Funchess (MICH); Nelson Algholor (USC); Justin Hardy (ECU); Josh Harper (Fresno); Rashard Greene (FSU); Phillip Dorsett (UM); Tyler Lockett (KSU); Breshard Perriman (UCF); Tony Lippett (MSU)

    Cooper is a Top 10 pick and we won't even be able to consider him while on the clock. Parker and White very well be as well. Green-Beckham could be a Top 10 based on talent of round 3 or 4 based on reputation. He is 6'6" and has the speed/hands to be an AJ Green type player, more than likely not a Philbin guy. I got to watch more Jaelen Strong as I struggle to fall in love with Pac-12 WR's but he is big, physical, faster than most, and has a ton of heart. I like that. White reminds me of a Larry Fitz/Deandre Hopkins type. Parker is long and more frail than my liking but there wouldn't be a frown to hear his name called. I am not nuts about Coates but in 2nd or 3rd wouldn't hate it. Funchess kind of the same deal but he is a weird prospect to me. Algholor fall out of favor for me being from USC (not a fan at all of their WR's). Hardy is like Landry and we don't need that many slot type guys. Harper don't know too much about. Greene in the 3rd would be great depending on FA we bring in being a big guy. Dorsett I love especially hearing he'd love to play here. If Wallace leaves and we got FA for size option I'd take Dorsett in 3rd if he is still ther as there is a lot of buzz. Lockett in the 3rd with a FA big guy is ok by me. Perriman in 4th is a big option but needs polishing. Not nuts about Lippett but is big guy.

    My Plan: The more I read rumors and think that Wallace is gone. That is fine with me but it's not easy to find that speed and replace 10 td's but his attitude sucks and he isn't worth his price for being more of a one trick pony. If he and RT17 were connectnig on big plays I could take the BS but that isn't his game and with the week 17 debable just move forward without him. Hartline and Gibson I'd let find new teams as well. With us needing to create money this and LB should be purged for their lack of quality for their pricetage. I would bring back Matthews if they view him as a fit. He could replace the possession type like Hartline and hopefully stay on his feet. Having to replace 3 WR's possibly will be enough of a task, asking our QB to incorporate 4 new WR's would be ruthless. With MW/BH/BG gone we need a Big WR and a Speed Element.

    As you may notice I have yet to use our #14 pick yet from my previous posts. That is cause I believe the best use of that pick would be with this year's draft class. Cooper will likely be gone. But there are four others that I wouldn't mind for our pick. Parker/White/Strong/DGB.... I'll say last one is probably out due to character. There are other teams with needs at WR ahead of us in round 1 (OAK, NYJ, MIN, CLE) if I am OAK I'd snatch Cooper right away as they need someone for Carr. IF not them NYJ could take him as QB will likely be gone. I don't see Parker/White/Strong sneaking into Top 10 but CLE I could see taking White or Parker. Regardless of who they take it has to be one of those three guys. Parker I like but his frailness scares the s*** of me. White is growing on me a lot as he is physical, fast, attacks the ball, and has shown improvement his craft. If Strong's name is called I wouldn't complain but may be a little bit of a reach in some minds. I see Strong as a player with a very high ceiling but again the Pac-12 thing worries me. My pick if he is on the board is Kevin White as he is probably most dynamic of the three and would be a nice piece with Landry. Well, with White on board that still leaves at least one WR position open. After shedding all that money we would have 3 WR's on their rookie deals so it would be wise to invest in a FA. I wouldn't break the bank but one player I'd love to see is Hakeem Nicks as I feel he is still young enough to invest in and don't think he got a fair shot in Indy. He is a go up and attack the ball and he isn't going to be nearly expensive as he would've been 3 to 4 years ago. Crabtree is another guy who'd make this unit better. Cobb would be a pipe dream as he will get paid but he'd be dumb to leave GB with Rodgers there. Hankerson is a low risk option who has size and if healthy is talented. Royal is very good from slot but we have one already. Cecil Shorts I am not a fan but he has produced. Torrey Smith I can't seem to like but again I am sure he'd be improvement to what we have had.

    Kevin White - Nicks - Landry
    Matthews - Hazel/UDFA
     
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  2. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    Getting rid of Wallace is bad buisness and I don't think they go that route and leave a huge hole at the position. Hartline is as good as gone and likely Gibson too.

    It may be worth a pick in the first two rounds to go WR though, Wallace would be the perfect #2 if you can develop a Kevin White quickly. Was surprised to see all those names at WR and no Devin Smith..

    I think M. Crabtree would be a great replacement for the hole that was BH.

    Wallace-Crabtree-Landry-Devin Smith
     
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  3. pmj

    pmj New Member

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    I definitely want to get rid of Hartline & Gibson and keep Wallace for a year. But if they get rid of Wallace, I'd keep Gibson for his final year. I'm ok with going WR first round as well b/c I think getting a G or DT will be very possible in FA (then get a project in the late rounds).

    Pretty much either way, I would want to draft Phillip Dorsett if he is there 3rd round or lower. I know we want all want a bigger WR, but he is like TY Hilton IMO and would be a perfect replacement for Wallace (and better than Wallace most likely). We desperately need to overhaul the WR core to where they ALL are potential playmakers.
     
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  4. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    I'd take that starting line-up in a heartbeat.
     
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  5. Phoenician Fan

    Phoenician Fan Well-Known Member

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    I don't have a guy at the top of the draft I think is worthy of the value up there. I just want WR's with excellent hands who can track the friggin ball and adjust their routes.

    Ball tracking has just recently come back to a place of importance in WR assessment. I have been harping on it for years. It still amazes me how many guys get jobs in this league as receivers and they can't receive.

    I do believe Matt Hazel makes the 53 next year and contributes when given the chance.
     
  6. Via

    Via Banned

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    How many playoff games or superbowls has Megatron or Marshall or Jones won? Even Bryant dropped the football. Fitzgerald is great too, but when they won he fit the scheme on the team. You don't build around WR's, they must compliment the team with their skill set and be willing to fit. This is what we see with Wallace, unwilling to fit unless it benifits him and ultimately rejecting the idea of complimenting the team. Miami is not in position to pick a WR number one. They have to shore up the O-line and D-line/LBers.
     
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  7. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    did you know that there isn't any 1000 yard wide receivers on either of the starting Super Bowl teams
     
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  8. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Not a fan of Devin Smith literally a dumbed down version of Wallace as all he can do is a go route.
     
  9. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    We have a QB. We have invested 3 first round picks on OL. DT potentially but I see the value at WR much higher. Drafting a player in the first round isn't building around a player. I will tell you that any of those players I'd take in a heartbeat over what we got in Wallace. The ruling is a drop but 88 didn't drop the ball anyone who has played the game knows that.
     
  10. Via

    Via Banned

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    Yeah, two first round picks that are above average to great. You can't have too many O-Line/D-Line. WR's are a luxury and Miami's not in the market for luxury items, should figure that out by now with what was done with wallace. Ruling was a drop, they lost- regardless Dallas revamped their O-Line and were in the playoffs winning one and losing one. Miami's finessing it with their 100 mil. WR hoping the weather is nice at south beach.
     
  11. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    I've watched both players like hawks.....certainly not the same kind of WR.
     
  12. 13Machine8385

    13Machine8385 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Dallas is a terrible example. When we get a Dez Bryant type WR and the assortment of skill sets they have on their offense, then we can talk about going all out on the OL.

    They didn't build there OL first. They got their skill players in place first.
    Dallas did the same thing in the early 90's.Aikman/Emmitt/Irvin first, and then built the OL around them.
     
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  13. Aquafin

    Aquafin New Member

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    the poor house
    Please tell me that we wont be drafting our 8 th or 9th olinemen in the first round again ! I hope like hell we can add undrafted rookies for the oline and add one more vet lineman but please can we stop with the continuation of using our first rd pick on the oline why cant we draft skill players in the first three rounds and draft olinemen in the later rounds ?

    if it were me , would draft 2 defensive tackles this year and three linebackers then add two olinemen in free agency ?
     
  14. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    WR are not a luxury anymore but a necessity. This isn't the 60's and 70's. Miami is in the market to get more dynamic and better. Certainly noone is arguing OL isn't a major if not top need but investing in a OG at #14 is just foolish when we more than likely will sit him om the bench. Dallas can invest in OL because they drafted Dez in the 1st round and DeMarco in the 3rd. If they didn't have Dez they aren't making that Fredrick pick or Martin pick. But, you're right if you tell me we can have a dallas type OL I am buying but unless we have an Alpha Male receiver they stack 8 in the box and shut us down. Seems all to familiar to our 2012 version of the offense.... I'll pass
     
  15. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    If you can give me some examples on who Smith is besides a speed threat? Never seen him go underneath with much success.
     
  16. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    If you tell me we could create enough cap space by cutting Hartline/Gibson/Ellerbe/Finnegan/Wheeler/Smith etc. That we can sign resign Odrick, a CB, and a WR like Crabtree or Nicks to replace Hartline. In that case if we were to draft a Scherff or Collins it would be more bearable but I do believe the best route to sign Franklin/Boling who are proven and young 26ish and draft a dynamic WR in the 1st. Dez/DT/Cobb are going to get paid and most likely resign with their teams. That leaves the Torrey Smiths/Crabtree/Nicks 2nd tier to pine off of. Much rather have Franklin paving the way for Miller and Kevin White breaking away in space on the outside.
     
  17. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    Never really been called upon to do so, so the sample size is small. Wallace had a pretty good season considering his strongest suit was unable to be utilized.

    If Smith ends up evolving into what Wallace has in regards to intermediate and in throws, than watch out. Because the knocks on Wallace as far as ball tracking, winning jump balls is something Devin is very good at.
     
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  18. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    I would be all for that scenario, but I don't think we resign Odrick. he on the surface appeared as "done" with this coaching staff as anyone, so I don't see him offering any type of hometown discount. I'd much rather spend that $$ on a guy who can transform our defense, pick up a decent G, draft the BPA (Gordon??) Im thinking KEVIN Whites stock will rise to the point of not being there. So you maybe take a flyer on Smith in Rd 2. After watching the Senior Bowl I'll pass on Sammie Coates.
     
  19. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Wallace did have a good season compared to his first. Still when you see that contract it's tough. And he isn't getting all the blame Tannehill's inability to get him the ball deep is just as frustrating. But, the demeanor the attitude really weigh on me.

    I think Smith's speed and ball tracking are excellent just not sure who he will become. Hearing jump balls is something he can do gets me a little more excited. I just don't believe he'd be worth more than a 3rd.
     
  20. 77FinFan

    77FinFan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Buckeye Land
    I don't know if he's worth our 14, but I'd take him all day long w/ a 2nd. Can't teach speed.
     
  21. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    So many conflicting reports, he was obviously a jackass the last week of the year...crying because they didnt try to get him his numbers. But other reports have said Wallace is the hardest working WR of the group. I guess how the Dolphins approach him this offseason will tell 1000 tales.
     
  22. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Your going to love you some Brandon Albert...check out the new thread on the mains.
     
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  23. jdang307

    jdang307 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    He's going to run real fast and is going to creep towards the top of the 2nd even bottom 1 imo. I'm not saying he'll be worth it, but that's what I see happening. Not at 14, but I wouldn't be mad if we used #2 on him. I like him a lot.
     
  24. 77FinFan

    77FinFan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Buckeye Land
    Really, really dying to see what he runs but same thought; not at 14. Pretty sure he's still there at 14, but not at our 2nd round pick.
     
  25. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Size > Speed for me for our #1 guy. Nice thing for us is most of the Big WR's can move pretty well this year in Parker, White, Strong, Funchess, DGB, Coates, Perriman.
     
  26. jdang307

    jdang307 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Antonio Brown? Odell Beckham?

    Not saying Devin Smith will be that good. But he isn't just speed. He has a suddenness to him that Wallace lacks, for example.

    Speed + Suddenness > Size. Now, if you're telling me you see AJ Green in any of these big guys maybe. He can move pretty damn well. Or a Mike Evans.
     
  27. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    I know it's popular for fans who don't want to hear certain things but I think Miko Grimes and her tweets are not nearly as FOS as some want to believe. We already know how they feel about Wallace, makes me wonder what players exactly have issues with him.
     
  28. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    no I dont believe there is an Aj green in this draft....it's deep and it's very good but no complete stud like him.
     
  29. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I don't think any players have issues with wallace..
     
  30. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    If you are figuring on letting go Wallace in 2016 (when it is easier) then why not be a player for Randall Cobb in FA?? He's proven to be a fantastic WC WR. Sure it will be a big contract, but the positive effect he would have on this offense and RT?? I think it's a move I would seriously consider.
     
  31. Fin-Omenal

    Fin-Omenal Initiated

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    I get the feeling from a lil 2+2 that Hartline may...
     
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  32. jdang307

    jdang307 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Imagine a unit that consisted of a Steve Smith in his prime, Antonio Brown, Desean Jackson, Odell Beckham. No size but they'd be open like a mofo!
     
  33. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    Both of those aforementioned have shown ability to run complete route trees. Don't think I've ever seen Smith run a crossing pattern. Again, I don't much about him besides his YPC is ridiculous and that scouts question his route running, hands, and WR accumen. Regardless, can't teach that speed. But, our QB struggles with the deep ball why bring in another WR who offers comparable skill set just to have them underutilized.

    Speed/Suddeness are great but I want a physical guy. Thankfully for us Parker/Strong/White all show that ability to not just be big targets but ones that can move.
     
  34. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    I take Miko's tweets with a grain of salt. She knows football but she is a homer I mean she literally thinks Brent is god's gift to earth and I am more than happy to have him. But, I think there is a ton of frustration from the offense regarding Wallace's actions. I don't think one offensive player supported his effort week 17 but I do think players view him an important part.
     

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