New England Patriots AFC East Offseason Analysis: Miami Dolphins
By Hal Bent
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; DeVante Parker (Louisville) poses for a photo after being selected as the number 14th overall pick to the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
In the 2015 NFL Draft the Dolphins used the 14th overall pick to select Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker. Since being drafted, Parker had surgery on his foot to have a screw replaced due to his broken toe he suffered as a senior. Foot surgery on a speed player is always a risk as New England learned in 2014 when second year receiver Aaron Dobson disappeared off the radar following offseason foot surgery following a strong rookie season.
Tannehill has a solid possession receiver already in last year’s second round draft pick Jarvis Landry. Parker is to be ultimately the top receiver and replace the disappointing Mike Wallace who was dumped via trade. The Dolphins traded for young deep threat Kenny Stills from New Orleans. had 352 receptions as a rookie in 2013 but averaged over 19 yards per catch. He improved to 63 catches for 931 yards in 2014 but the Saints were content to move on from him.
The Dolphins released veteran wide receivers Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson this offseason as well as they remade their receiving group. Miami also imported veteran wide receiver Greg Jennings after his stint with the Minnesota Vikings. Jennings will be 32 when the season starts and seemingly derailed his career by leaving the sure thing of the Packers and All Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a big pay day.
At tight end, the Dolphins let incumbent Charles Clay leave for division rival Buffalo on a ridiculous restricted free agent contract paying him much more than he is worth. In his place, the Dolphins signed young tight end Jordan Cameron away from Cleveland. Cameron had a breakout season in 2013 with 80 receptions for over 900 yards and 7 touchdowns. Last year his season was derailed by injury as multiple concussions slowed him and limited him to just ten games and he caught just 24 passes for 424 yards and only 2 touchdowns.
Next: A Look At Miami's Offseason