Dolphins WR Jarvis Landry Training Camp Preview
By Eric Roddy
When the 2014 NFL season begins, Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill may have a new favorite target. Rookie wide receiver Jarvis Landry is already impressing at training camp, and with years to improve, his future is bright. The 63rd overall selection of the 2014 NFL Draft is working his way towards a starting role and will fit in perfectly in new OC Bill Lazor’s “run and gun” fast pace offense.
Landry enjoyed prolific success at LSU, alongside speedster Odell Beckham Jr. In his junior year, the 5 foot 11, 202 pound Landry totaled 1,193 yards on 77 receptions (15.5 avg) and 10 TD’s. Luckily for Landry, he finds himself in a familiar position in Miami. I believe he will greatly benefit playing next to speedy veteran Mike Wallace. Wallace’s ability to stretch the field and make the “big” play (much like Odell Beckham Jr. did in LSU) will free up Landry and give him the opportunity to dominate the short and middle part of the field. The majority of his success should come in the shorter part of the field on underneath and dump routes.
However, it is Landry’s ability to line up anywhere on the field and make a play on any ball that impresses both fans and coaches the most. Landry can literally line up anywhere on the field. Although he does not possess great height, Landry possesses an uncanny ability to go up and catch the ball at the highest point, making him a valuable receiver for jump balls on go routes and in the red zone. He can dominate the slot with clean routes and the ability to get open. He is also not afraid to lay out for a ball in coverage, and uses his hands to catch the ball instead of relying on his body.
I have two predictions for rookie WR Jarvis Landry. First, I predict he will become Bill Lazor and Ryan Tannehill’s favorite offensive weapon. I see Landry getting open more often than any other wide receiver, despite his average speed and height. Secondly, I believe that Landry will finish the season in the running for offensive rookie of the year. Landry’s work ethic and desire to be better are underrated, and Landry has already shown flashes of greatness this early on in his career. It appears that the Miami Dolphins (and GM Dennis Hickey) have drafted a gem.
FINS UP!