Photo via Joe Rimkus Jr./The Miami Herald Staff

The way Mike Wallace sees it, Ryan Tannehill has a better arm that Ben Roethlisberger.  The way Ryan Tannehill sees it, Mike Wallace is everything that was billed.

There is no bigger need for the Miami Dolphins this 0ff-season than for Tannehill and Wallace to be on the same page.  So far, this off-season the chemistry between the two is maturing at a very nice pace.  Tannehill and Wallace have been working out together.  They have been working on their timing and on their connections.  It’s an important step for two players who don’t know a thing about each other.

The fact that Wallace is already in Miami and working with his QB to be speaks volumes of his attitude.  Wallace was never really viewed as a “diva-receiva” but he had his moments.  He held out, wanted a new contract, at times seemed to not play 100% every down, and he did drop more than a few balls last season.  Regardless he has already done more thus far in Miami than former Dolphins big name WR Brandon Marshall.  As in, he is actually working out.

In Marshall’s first season with the Dolphins, Marshall opted out of participating in the off-season player only sessions they organized.  Partly due to his recovering from another off-season injury.  Mainly the stabbing by his wife.  Yet even after the injury had healed, Wallace didn’t seem eager to working out with his teammates.  In fact the following season, Wallace again worked out mostly on his own and away from non-team organized practices.  In other words, he didn’t work out much with Chad Henne.

There will still be lingering questions about whether or not Wallace will produce the same as Marshall but it shouldn’t be for a lack of effort on his part.  Wallace and Tannehill met for dinner shortly after Wallace was signed.  Just the two of them  getting to know each other as both teammates and people.  They have struck a bond and a friendship and that is more than important for a sophomore QB and an incoming free agent.  The ability of Tannehill and Wallace to gel early will be a key factor in the success of the season early on.  The Dolphins have a brutal opening month.

While most of the focus has been on the Tanny-Wall connection, it should be fairly noted that slot WR Brandon Gibson has also been working and putting in extra time with his new QB as has several other players as well.  This is the kind of team effort that will bode well for the Dolphins.  It’s also a clear indication of the type of players Joe Philbin wants on his football team.  It’s a manifest of the Green Bay Packers.  Team first, foremost, and only.

Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad running back Mike Gillislee of Florida (22) runs against the Senior Bowl north squad during the second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The South squad defeated the North squad 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins have signed running back Mike Gillislee to a 4 year contract and signed TE Dion Sims as well.  The Dolphins have signed seven of their draft picks thus far but will likely face a battle with edge rusher Dion Jordan.  The Dolphins number one pick will likely hold out as long as he can as the two sides argue over the off-set language.  The Dolphins want to make sure Jordan gets the off-set language which would not pay him if he is released and signed by another team.  Jordan’s camp doesn’t want it.  Without it Jordan can be cut and still collect his salary from the Dolphins even if signed by another team.

For now the Dolphins and Jeff Ireland (more specifically Dawn Aponte) will get the rest of the draft picks under contract.  The Dolphins have about 7.5 million dollars allocated for the rookies.

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