Isaiah Ford making a big statement for the final 53

Miami Dolphins second year wide-receiver Isaiah Ford is impressing early in camp and is making a strong push for the final 53 man roster.

The Miami Dolphins felt they got a steal when receiver Isaiah Ford slipped to round seven. Then training camp arrived and Ford injured his knee putting his rookie season on ice, literally and figuratively. Now he healthy and taking full advantage of his opportunities.

Impressed by his athleticism Ford has been a big player in training camp and the coaches can’t say enough about him.

"He knows every position. He’s extremely versatile, but we’ve just got to see him in games at this point. We’ve got to see him do it live. He’s got to also contribute on special teams, like I said earlier, but he’s headed the right direction.” MiamiDolphins.com transcript release of WR coach Ben Johnson"

Ford it should be noted is red-shirted for now but is working his way to getting it off. Johnson laughed when a reporter asked about it and he said that Ford keeps trying to take it off.

This is intriguing development and Johnson was clear about seeing him in-game action. The Dolphins kept five receivers last season. DeVante Parker, Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, Leonte Carroo, and Jakeem Grant. This year the receivers are a lot different and deeper.

While Parker, Stills, and Grant are all locks they are also joined by Albert Wilson and Danny Amendola who have no worries making the final 53. That is five receivers.

On the outside of that five is Ford, Carroo, and Rashawn Scott.

Ford is making a strong case to carry six but as Johnson said, he needs to play special teams. That may not be ideal for a guy coming off a major knee injury. Carroo has been disappointing and Scott still needs time to develop more.

The problem through all of this of course is Parker. He still isn’t making next level strides and the team is still moving along slower than they should be with him.

For now, Ford is creating the right kind of discussion but as Johnson said, when the teams line up for pre-season games, the tape could look a lot different. When asked about getting back on the field, Ford told reporters it felt great.

"(So far, you’ve made a pretty good impact. We’ve seen you in the end zone a couple of times. How nice is it to step out here and have that success right away?) – “It’s good. It’s what you expect to do at this point. I work really hard on my craft and I pride myself on working hard and knowing what to do and making the plays when they present themselves. That’s all I’m trying to do.”"