Wide Receivers Looking to Make an Impact This Season

An issue that has followed the Miami Dolphins through last season into the offseason and into training camp has been about the wide receiver position. It is the area on the team that could end up with some of the most competition outside of cornerback, but it is also the area with the most questions.

You can look at the receivers and see a great variety of different receivers that are on the team. You need big receivers? There are three of them that are 6'2" or taller, and two of them were picked in April's draft. Patrick Turner, Brandon London, and Brian Hartline should all make the team. London is the one that may be the closest to being on the bubble as far as numbers are concerned, but I can't see him being but because he is a good talent that would be picked up by another team immediately.

The debate around Dolphins training camp is whether they will keep five receivers or six. They usually only keep four of them active on game day, but the intrigue is arising because of London's improvement. He adds a dimension to the team that could be very interesting. Just imagine London and Turner on the field at the same time. Most corners will have trouble because they will normally be giving up about three or four inches in height.

Turner has shown that he has very good speed for such a tall receiver, and his hands are very good but I think they could be just a bit more consistent. London is just showing impressive playmaking and athletic ability so far in camp. Hartline is solid, and he has the advantage of being a special teams ace which all but guarantees his spot on the team.

What other kinds of receivers would you be looking for? If you're looking for speed, you have Ted Ginn Jr. You want shiftiness and consistency? Davone Bess is your man. You just want a solid receiver with a point to prove? Did someone say Greg Camarillo?

Ginn is obviously expected to produce as a number one receiver in his third year after being drafted in the top 10 of the NFL Draft a few years ago. The third year for most receivers is when you see the biggest jump in production. He definitely showed signs of improvement last season and things seem to be coming a little bit simpler in the early stages of training camp.

Bess is solid, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if he has another 50-catch season. He's a smart and consistent player that you know works hard because he went from undrafted free agent out of Hawaii to lock for the 53-man roster for this season. Camarillo should be back from a knee injury and has so far looked good in practices.

There are no number one caliber receivers on the team right now, but that doesn't mean one won't step up during the season. It will be interesting to see what happens as the season progresses.

Next update will be after the next round of practices, so later folks!