Heading into the 2014 season, the Miami Dolphins boasted the highest paid receiving tandem in the NFL. With a list consisting of names such as Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson, Miami was shelling out money and receiving little production in return.
Wallace, who was Miami’s prized acquisition two seasons ago, was due $9.9 million; while Hartline and Gibson were set to earn $5.95 million and $3.26 million, respectively.
Out of the three, Wallace was the most productive, leading the team with ten touchdowns. Despite tying a career-best in scores, Wallace has a disconnect with the team and subsequently lost the trust of the coaching staff and locker-room in their Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets – when he removed himself from the game.
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On the other hand, Hartline caught a mere 39 balls for 474 yards. Hartline, who was coming off of back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons, was expected to be one of the top playmakers in newly hired offensive coordinator Bill Lazor’s system.
Gibson struggled in his first season after tearing his patella tendon in a Week 8 game against the division rival New England Patriots, catching just 29 passes for 295 yards.
Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline (82) celebrates his catch against the New York Jets in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Jets defeated Miami 37-24. Hartline and teammate Brandon Gibson were released by the team last week. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
After a disappointing season from their top paid receivers, the Dolphins front-office made a judgement call, and decided to release both Hartline and Gibson – creating an obvious hole on the offense.
But what can Miami do to fill this huge void offensively? Fortunately for Miami, free agency is right around the corner. With players such as Demaryius Thomas, Jeremy Maclin and Dez Bryant, this year’s free agent class in regarded as one of the best in recent years.
Unfortunately, these players will command top-dollar, which is something Miami cannot offer as recent free agent signings have put them in one of the worst cap situations in the NFL.
Miami isn’t going to be able to lure in one of these receivers, but it is likely they target a second-third tier guy, such as Cecil Shorts, Kenny Britt or Nate Washington.
Signing one of these players will be big moving forward for Miami, as they must surround now fourth-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill with adequate weapons.
The hole has been created by the front office and it must be cured with bringing in another rookie wide receiver – which, for the large part – has been the most successfully drafted position over the last three seasons.
Miami has even had recent success with the selection of Jarvis Landry in last year’s second round. Landry finished his rookie season as the Dolphins leading receiver, catching 84 balls for 758 yards and five touchdowns.
This year Miami has the 14th pick in the draft, putting themselves in excellent position to select one of the class’ top receiver.
One name in particular in DeVante Parker.
Parker, who spent four years at the University of Louisville, was one of Teddy Bridgewater‘s (now a member of the Minnesota Vikings) favorite targets. In his four seasons, Parker caught a total of 2,775 yards (fourth in school history) and 33 touchdowns (tied for first in school history).
In 2014, Parker missed seven games, as he was nursing a broken fifth metatarsal in his left foot. While the injury sidelined the star receiver for seven games, he returned with a vengeance.
Parker played in just six games; however, he recorded 100+ yards in five of them, including a career high 214 in an 11 point loss to Florida State. He finished the season with 855 yards and five touchdowns.
What makes Parker stand out for Miami is his body size and potential of being a true number one receiver. He has a very good leaping ability and can hang in the air while waiting for the football. Parker is also a very good route-runner and is very quick and crisp on his breaks.
While he might not have the speed of the draft’s top two receivers – Amari Cooper and Kevin White – Parker clocked in a respectable 40-time of 4.45 seconds during the scouting combine.
Drafting Parker would be a huge addition for Miami’s offense. A combination of Landry (22 years old), Wallace and Parker would give Miami a formidable regime at the receiver position for not only this season, but the extended future as well.
The last time Miami selected a wide receiver in the first round was in 2007, when they selected Ted Ginn, Jr. Although Ginn did not pan out, Miami must overcome their seven-year drought of not selecting a top receiver and draft Parker in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Next: Can Miami make the playoffs in 2015?
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