NFL
By: Rick
The Miami Dolphins may have one of the best-receiving units in the league but they still have a ton of work to do this season. Where does each player need to improve for Miami to succeed?
WR
Tyreek Hill
Health, health, health. That’s all Tyreek Hill needs to worry about. Not that every single fan wouldn’t want him to break the single-season receiving record and his goal of 2,000 yards, but he’s their most explosive weapon, barely edging out Waddle. Yet, him being on the field opens up opportunities for other guys. If he’s on the field, Miami’s chances of winning skyrocket.
Jaylen Waddle
Waddle had great games last year and excelled when Tyreek fell down with an injury. His productivity dipped last season since he only played 14 games but fans want to see Waddle TD celebration often, even Stephen Ross gets in on it. It’s become a fan favorite much like Jamal Anderson’s Dirty Bird. Hopefully, with a few new wrinkles in this year’s offense and weapons, it will open up a few more opportunities for him.
Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ is the wildcard here. He might not be the playmaker he once was, but his leadership and ability to make plays still requires defenses to account for him. Being the “third best” receiver in this unit is crazy but that’s the only expectations OBJ will have. Anything about and beyond that will be a bonus for the Miami Dolphins. He might not take numbers away from Hill/Waddle but if defenses aren’t careful he could sneak across the goaline more often than you’d think.
Erik Ezukanma
Ezukanma might be on borrowed time. He’s got nothing but potential but can’t stay healthy. While that’s no reason for the Dolphins to cut him, the rest of their depth is. Cracraft has earned favor and snuck some decent plays into Miami’s gameplan in the past. Berrios is all but cemented into the return role. There’s already high praise for Washington.
River Cracraft
Cracraft may have to earn his stay this year. While his name shows up on the stat sheet from time to time and he’ll find a way to keep the chains moving, 2024 is the year of competition for this offense. Miami has their eyes set on breaking the 24-year drought for playoff wins and it’ll be a “what have you done for me lately” type of year. It won’t be easy for anyone and if he’s got a next gear, now would be the time to show it.
Braxton Berrios
Malik Washington
Malik Washington might have been a late-round pick but he’s got a big opportunity here. Miami needs a slot WR who can adapt to their style and he could be it. With an aging OBJ (in terms of football years) the Dolphins could use someone to be his relief as well as insurance plan. He might be a project for Miami, but he could easily be a steal for them as well. It will be largely dependent on his work ethic and understanding of the playbook.
Anthony Schwartz, Braylon Sanders, Willie Snead IV, Je’quan Burton, Kyric McGowan.
It’s hard not to lump all these depth receivers together, but with the depth the Miami Dolphins have it’ll be just as hard for them to make the roster. Special teams contributor or preseason superstar that’s pretty much how any of them will make an impact and have a shot at a roster spot. Miami proved last year they could use some depth and by no means is their roster set in stone. Show up, put in work, and earn your spot.
TE
Jonnu Smith
The TE spot has been an afterthought of the Mike McDaniel offense for the Dolphins. With the weapons they have, the position has just been go out there and stay out of the way. Oh, and try to keep Tua protected. This year, if the team wants to make a deep run in the playoffs then every weapon needs to be a threat. Smith wasn’t signed because they wanted a lateral move. He’ll need to be an upgrade from the very low bar set so far. Jonnu needs to be 700+ yards and at least 5-7 TDs this season.
Durham Smythe
Smythe has been the role player at the TE position. He’s done his job as expected but hasn’t done much to stand out. That needs to change as well. If his job is to block, then we need to see him power through defenders. If he’s a receing threat, every catch needs to move the chains. Miami has plenty of explosive receivers so Smythe doesn’t need to be one. If he becomes “Mr. Reliable” then his season will be a success. Rely on him to set the edge or find the sticks, that’s it.
Julian Hill/Jordy Fortson Jr.
These two had to be lumped together as they both have the same battle. After Smythe and Smith, Miami needs a guy who can back up either of those two by filling their role for breathers or injury insurance. Whoever brings those skillsets to the table could secure their spot on the roster. It’s hard to imagine the Dolphins carrying that many TEs with the depth at WR they have but it’s possible. Who wants to earn their keep?
Connor Tanner/Hayden Rucci
Both are buried on the depth chart, but both have an opportunity same as the rest of the position battles. No one is walking out of Miami untested, unless you signed a massive contract this offseason. With that being said, even those who got paid need to bring their “A game” every chance they can. Tanner and Rucci have the unfortunate luck of being on a team with depth. However, they’re also fortunate enough to be at a position with a very low bar for productivity. The 53 best players will make this team. Without question there will be some tough cuts and if they’re going to be one of them, they need to make it the hardest decision this coaching staff has every made.
The Miami Dolphins are poised to have a more monstrous season than they already pulled off last season. The talent level is there so whoever is hungriest to take it to the next level will round out this offense.
