Jarvis Landry did play well in his rookie season. But with his more advanced role in the offense now, he’s my pick for the Miami Dolphins’ breakout player of they year for 2015.
To say that Jarvis Landry didn’t do much in his rookie season would be absolutely ludicrous. As a rookie, the LSU product was able to haul in 84 passes for 758 yards and five touchdowns. However, in a deep receiving rookie draft class, he didn’t get the flair guys like Mike Evans, Sammy Watkins, or even his former teammate from LSU, Odell Beckham Jr., received.
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The intriguing part about Landry is that he really came on towards the end of the season and established himself as
Ryan Tannehill‘s No. 1 target. Last season, the Dolphins’ main receiving corps consisted of Landry,
Mike Wallace, and
Brian Hartline. Now just a few months later, the Dolphins’ main receiving corps consists of Landry, first-round pick DeVante Parker, veteran
Greg Jennings, and home-run threat
Kenny Stills.
Nov 30, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kenny Stills (84) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Saints won the game, 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Knowing that, it’s safe to say that the Dolphins improved this part of their team, which actually helps the team in so many ways. With the Dolphins committing long-term to franchise quarterback Tannehill, it was made a goal by the team to upgrade the offensive line and the receiving group. Last year, they brought in Branden Albert, Ja’Wuan James, and Billy Turner for the offensive line. This year, instead of additions to the offensive line, they strengthened Tannehill’s receiving options.
So why is Landry the proverbial breakout player of the year for now? Well, it’s real simple as to why he will have a huge year in 2015. With Landry being the only starting receiver returning from last year’s team, he already knows the playbook and he’s already started a relationship with Tannehill that truly will only grow.
I’m a huge fan of Parker, but he’s a rookie wide receiver and the wide receiver position is a tough adjustment from the college game to the NFL. Sure, you look at all of those rookie receivers from last year and see how they thrived, but there’s a big difference between a college playbook and an NFL playbook. Even though Parker played in a pro style offense at Louisville, I’m not betting all of my money on him to show up right away in the 2015 season.
On the other hand, a guy nearing the end of his career is Jennings. A half-decade ago, when he was with the Green Bay Packers, Jennings was one of the best receivers in the league. He didn’t have any real advantages, but he was just a guy that always a found a way to haul in the football. However, at this stage in his career, his body has gone through a ton of wear-and-tear. That said, don’t expect him to catch over 60 passes in 2015.
Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin reacts in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Jets defeated Miami 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Stills is a guy that provides some vertical ability to this offense. When head coach Joe Philbin was with the Packers, his vertical-offense excelled thanks to guys like Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson. While Philbin doesn’t necessarily have the weapons he did in Green Bay, it’s safe to say that he does have a guy who can take the top off the defense in Stills.
With an improved skill position group, remember Jordan Cameron was brought in to be the team’s starting tight end as well, Landry is my pick to break out in 2015. He’ll see a ton of single coverage and he’ll be able to win his top-tier route-running ability. He’s not a burner by any means, but he’s a guy that can catch over 80 passes, bring in over 1,100 yards, and score around nine touchdowns.
Next: Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill will shine in 2015
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