A Deep pass can be defined as pass of 40 or more yards or 20+ yards depending on who you ask . Players that specialize in this area of the receiving game can be categorized as deep threats. MOST deep threats usually posses sub 4.4, 4.3 speed, though there are some exceptions to that trend. Below is a list of some of the leagues elite when it comes to deep threats (not including Brian Hartline).

As you can see Larry Fitzgerald and Sidney Rice stand out as the exceptions from a speed standpoint of things. What makes Fitzgerald so effective is his ability to box out defenders and use his 40 inch vertical to catch the ball at its high point, even when draped by defensive backs. He can practically have no separation downfield at all from the defensive backs, but once that ball is up for grabs hes coming down with it. Same goes for Rice in his ability to use his size to his advantage. 

And if you want to compare Hartline to his rookie counterparts such as Harvin or Wallace he still falls behind. heck, you can even throw in Kenny Britt (4.47, 10, 4) and Hakeem Knicks (4.49, 13, 5) into that bunch

Hartline had 7 plays of 20+ yards, but 5 of them came in losses. Why does that matter? Because they occurred in games against the Saints, Steelers, and Titans. In each of those games we were down by a couple of TDs and had to throw the ball in order to stay in the game. Same goes for both of his 40+ yard plays

Below is a video of Hartline's plays last season. I'm going to evaluate the most notable plays in the section titled "long throws".

0:18- 0:26   6 sec left in the game down by 4. So there was nowhere else to go but the endzone.

0:27- 0:45   Henne tries to buy time and holds the ball for about 6 seconds, and i don't care if your Darrelle Revis no coverage holds up that long.

0:46- 0:57  Feet get tangled with the cornerback on a double move and the cornerback trips.

0:58- 1:10  Good play by Hartline getting open, but is overthrown by Henne

1:51- 1:57  Fade route, not enough down field separation.

2:34- 2:47   Go route, no down field separation by Hartline.

2:48- 2:58   No seperation against corner forcing Henne to throw sideline.

2:59- 3:12   Henne holds the ball for about 6 second to buy time, and Like i said before i don't care if your coverage is super glue its not holding up that long.

3:55- 4:21   Created no separation, and was draped by both the corner and safety. Henne throws the ball up for grab and hits the safety in the bread basket, then was tipped out by Hartline. Good play by Hartline.

4:22- 4:29   Couldn't break cushion therefore creating no separation

Hartline will be a pretty good receiver for the Dolphins, but In order to be a consistent deep threat you have to be able create separation down field, and Hartline just isn't that guy. With that being said Hartline strives in the intermediate game and will be a pretty good receiver for the Dolphins for many years to come.