Miami Dolphins in Depth: The Notable Weapons Surrounding Ryan Tannehill
Dec 4, 2011; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins receiver Davone Bess (15) reacts after scoring on a touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
With the No. 8 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
The end.
Just kidding, but seriously how good can this rookie be? Is this a pick GM Jeff Ireland and Owner Miami Dolphins Stephen Ross will regret five years from now, or cherish?
It seems that the front office is building a flimsy foundation on the offensive side, for now. In analyzing the offensive depth chart, there are only a few players that are intriguing as targets for the first-year quarterback. These players consist of running back Reggie Bush and wide receivers Davone Bess, Brian Hartline and Anthony Armstrong.
From catching five yard passes to halfback screens, Bush gives a whole lot of leverage to offer to Tannehill. In a typical setting of a first-year quarterback and a veteran, there is a chance complications could presume, and two that may are chemistry and experience.
The word chemistry is not overhyped. In the case with Bush and Tannehill, it is tough to judge what these two will bring but if Tannehill can develop and grow quick this duo could ultimately become a scary tandem for the opposition. There are a ton of variations that form with the word chemistry. It could mean socializing in the locker room or handing off the ball.
The second problem that could exist is experience. Many critics have said Matt Moore should have been the quarterback for experience, but there is verity that the pigskin is in Tannehill’s end zone. A good start to the 2012 season is pivotal for the former Aggie. A good start includes being decisive, and that means handing off the ball to the 1,000 yard rusher in Bush. The former Trojan has preached he wants to become an every down back.
Davone Bess is the number one wide out for Tannehill. In the 2012 preseason, the undrafted receiver has been the go-to wide out time and time again. Bess in the 2011-12 season recorded 537 yards and three touchdowns. With the Brandon Marshall trade, the five-year wide out will have to step up and transform into the number one target.
Brian Hartline has the ability to the deep threat for the 2012-13 season. The former Buckeye is coming off a right knee injury so the expectations in the beginning of the offseason may not come into effect. Hartline tallied 549 yards and one touchdown.
Newly-acquired Anthony Armstrong was a great pickup by the Miami Dolphins. He won’t be a Pro Bowl wide receiver but he will become a complementary receiver to the Dolphins organization. In a change to the AFC, Armstrong may present a conflict to the cornerbacks with his versatility and deep threat attributes
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Tannehill’s success will become relevant if the players around him can develop real estate or produce some great numbers. With a new coach and rookie quarterback, the Dolphins have expectations. But when it is all said and done can they become a playoff team?