Miami Dolphins’ OTA Winners and Losers
The Miami Dolphins will be wrapping up their final session of OTAs today. After a great three weeks of OTAs, the future is starting to look quite bright for this young and exciting Miami team.
While there was some excellent showings by specific players, there was also a handful of disappointments. So let’s delve into the topic for some more in depth analysis.
# 4: Winner(s): Receiving Corp
May 21, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Armon Binns (19) during organized team activities at the Doctors Hospital Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Miami’s top five receivers going into OTAs were Brian Hartline, Legedu Naanee, Davone Bess, Marlon Moore and Roberto Wallace. This season the team’s receiving corp consists of Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Rishard Matthews and Armon Binns, Brian Tyms, Chad Bumphis, Jeff Fuller (?).. Quite a turn around, eh?
According to multiple sources, the Mike Wallace-Ryan Tannehill connection is beginning to look good, real good. Wallace was brought in to not only take the top off the defense, but to also help open things up for other receivers.
Many pin this guy as a “one-trick pony”. I have no comment on this, mostly because I think that is absolutely absurd.
Hartline and Gibson are also looking great. Both are showing great awareness and strong hands – seems like we always say this about Hartline, doesn’t it?
The real winners, though, are the lesser known guys.
Second-year pro Rishard Matthews is looking to improve on a rookie season in which he tallied 11 receptions for 151 yards (13.7 ypr) and no touchdowns. The 6’0”, 210 pound receiver could end up challenging Gibson for snaps out of the slot position.
Receivers Brian Tyms and Armon Binns are also impressing coaches. Both have great size at the receiver position, which is something this Miami team is desperately in need of.
And do not sleep on UDFA Chad Bumphis. Many have thrown this kid’s name out there and I honestly did not buy into anything I saw. But I am now hearing that many are impressed with this kid’s hands, understanding of the route tree, and his ability to make plays in space. Many compare him to former UDFA Davone Bess. Don’t sleep on Bumphis, fellas.