Miami Dolphins Offensive Skill Depth Chart Preview
Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass against the New York Jets during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
If you’re a Miami Dolphins fan, you’re probably pretty excited to see your new look team on the field this season.
The Dolphins made the biggest ‘splash’, if you will, in free agency when they signed defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a monstrous contract. But that’s not all ‘Phins fans are getting excited about. They fully expect a big year from 2012 first round pick and quarterback Ryan Tannehill, the leader of this team.
Tannehill has been steadily improving over the last three years, though we’ll talk more in-depth about him in a minute. This is a Dolphins team that has completely re-tooled it’s offensive weaponry, and given Tannehill all the tools he needs to succeed and make a big jump in the 2015 season.
Here’s a look at their offensive skill positions, and some of the guys who will be providing depth this year.
Quarterback
Ryan Tannehill, like I mentioned, has been steadily on the rise and improving in his three seasons with the Dolphins. He threw for over 4,000 yards last season and added 27 touchdowns compared to just 12 interceptions.
It’s fair to expect a monster fourth season from Tannehill, especially after the strides we’ve seen. He’s developed into one of the most important players in the NFL, as colleague Erik Lambert pointed out on Wednesday.
With a brand new contract in hand, Tannehill should be ready to take this Dolphins team from their 8-8, middling play to a playoff contender in the very deep AFC East. He will certainly have a plethora of weapons with which to do that in 2015.
Running Back
Dec 28, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller (26) runs against the New York Jets during first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Lamar Miller very quietly ran for over 1,000 yards last season for the Dolphins with eight touchdowns. He was, by far, the leading rusher on the team, but Miami brought in Boise State’s Jay Ajayi in the 5th round of this year’s draft to contend for playing time.
Miller actually also averaged over five yards per carry and caught 38 passes. I think that’s a pretty underrated season for a guy who has been considered quite replaceable in his time with the Dolphins. He might actually be set up to be a key piece of this offense, and the Dolphins didn’t really make any big splash moves at the position to try and push him out of his starting role.
As far as I can tell on this depth chart, the starting running back job is his to hold on to.
To me, the primary source of competition for the starting job should come from Jay Ajayi, the talented former Boise State star who fell to the 5th round in the draft due to long-term health concerns. That shouldn’t necessarily affect his 2015 prospects, so getting Ajayi is like getting a 2nd round talent in the 5th round.
Of course, Lamar Miller has a similar story.
Ajayi is a perfect one-cut runner that a lot of draftniks were really high on in the pre-draft process. Here’s our scouting report on him here at NFLMocks.com.
The Dolphins also have some other intriguing backup running backs, including former Oregon Ducks star LaMichael James, who has been unable to establish a clear role for himself in the NFL, which is sad because I loved him coming out. Perhaps an offseason in the Dolphins’ program will do him wonders.
Mike Gillislee is also a player who looked like he might be a sleeper coming out of the 2014 NFL Draft and the Florida Gators program, but he’s seeking his first NFL carry since 2013 where he only played three games.
Damien Williams is a solid backup with size and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He might be in line for the 2nd most touches out of all Dolphins running backs.
Wide Receiver
This might be the most exciting area of the Dolphins’ skill positions offensively. Their crew at this position saw perhaps the most dramatic makeover, ridding itself of Mike Wallace who was traded to Minnesota.
Kenny Stills was brought in from the New Orleans Saints, and was their leading receiver a year ago. He’s a phenomenal deep threat and red zone option that Ryan Tannehill will absolutely love. He pairs perfectly with first round pick DeVante Parker, who will be expected to have a big role as a rookie.
Nov 24, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kenny Stills (84) stiff-arms Baltimore Ravens defensive back Danny Gorrer (37) after a fourth quarter catch at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Parker came back from an injury last season at Louisville and looked absolutely dominant, even without Teddy Bridgewater throwing him the ball. He was a man among boys, and was a phenomenal value for the Dolphins, even at the 14th overall selection. He’s got future star written all over him.
The focal point of this group this season could be Jarvis Landry, who was one of the rookie receivers last year to take the league by storm. He finished with 84 catches and five touchdowns on 111 targets, and could be the most targeted receiver on the team again this year. He should develop into one of the league’s premiere slot receivers sooner rather than later.
Along with the additions of Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker came the welcoming of former Green Bay Packers star Greg Jennings, who was a free agent bust with the Vikings. Jennings was so ineffective with the Vikings, in fact, it looked for awhile there like he might not find work again.
If he can be anything like he was a couple of years ago, he could be a major steal and a much needed veteran presence for this Dolphins receiver group.
Rishard Matthews is a solid backup option and provides decent depth to this unit, which now has a lot of high quality players.
Tight End
In addition to all of the moves at the wide receiver position, the Dolphins made a big move at the tight end spot by snagging Jordan Cameron from the Cleveland Browns to replace Charles Clay.
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Cameron (84) runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Clay did so much for this Dolphins’ offense, his absence is sure to be felt, but Cameron can help ease the pain there. He’s a risk in terms of his health, but this is one of the most dynamic pass catchers in the league at the tight end position. If healthy, he’s going to flourish in this Miami offense with Ryan Tannehill throwing him passes.
Dion Sims is listed as the primary backup after catching 24 passes with a pair of touchdowns a year ago. Gerell Robinson is an intriguing developmental player who was on the Broncos’ practice squad as a receiver for a couple of years before adding weight and changing positions.