The Phinsider: All Posts by Brian Naidus

Dolphins claim WR Marvin McNutt

2013-05-15T22:01:06Z

Dolphins claim WR Marvin McNutt

YES!!!!!!

My dream comes true! This guy was a fan favorite in last year's draft and many of us, including myself got bummed when the Eagles drafted him in the sixth round last year. Well after he was waived early this week, Miami took a chance.

I'm really rooting for this kid, not only is he is an aweosme jersey but I can't wait to see the Jets defensive backs get "McNutt'd on".

-B

Charles Woodson: Dolphins' "final piece of the puzzle" for a perfect offseason

2013-05-12T03:04:30Z

It took mere minutes for the Dolphins to make their first splash of the offseason, bringing in receiver Mike Wallace. Not long after, GM Jeff Ireland went younger and faster in completely revamping the linebacking corps. After that, a few solid depth players were brought in that could also make a major impact. Cornerback Brent Grimes was brought in on a one-year deal, that depending on his health, could be worth gold for this team in the long run.

Then came the draft. Miami continued to turn heads by trading up for who they felt was the best defensive player in college football. Dion Jordan is an athlete, if he could kick or punt, you could say he could probably play every position in the game. After some more quality picks were taken (headlined by Jamar Taylor, Jelani Jenkins, and Caleb Sturgis) Miami walked out of Radio City Music Hall, with only tackle on their wishlist. Last week that was addressed by signing RT Tyson Clabo, who was ranked as a top ten tackle last year.

Miami's new image heading into the 2013 season is headlined by one hell of a offseason so far. Miami got younger, faster and more athletic. One would say they upgraded at every position, except for OL which would be graded as "incomplete" judging by how well Jonathan Martin can do as starting left tackle. Only time can tell with that, so let's give the kid a shot and not get worried about what these "experts" say Miami should be concerned about.

But we all want more, and I admit, when it comes to my football team, I am a bit selfish. I think Miami can truly benefit from more one piece of the puzzle and cap off a good as an offseason as we could have all hoped for.

I'm talking about hiring a veteran leader to help be the glue of Miami's new look team. I'm talking about a guy who makes a living on creating turnovers.

I'm talking about Charles Woodson.

Let's be clear: Charles Woodson would not be the future of the Miami Dolphins. He is a 36 year old defender who will one day be enshrined in Canton. But he is a leader. He is a ballhawk. He would be just as important in the locker room as he would be on the field, creating turnovers.

Last season, Hard Knocks showed us three of our "leaders" in the locker room: Karlos Dansby, Reggie Bush and Jake Long. All three are gone. Miami has talent and youth, but I feel like they need a voice. A guy like Woodson would be a great mentor to our young safeties and even the young corners that are supposed to be the future of this franchise. Even if he was used as depth and subbed in for Chris Clemons from time to time, he is a smart player who would truly capitalize in Miami's top pass rush when he is on the field.

This offseason, I thought safety was a top priority, and a guy like Woodson is the definition of a low risk, high reward signing. In fact, Woodson already has stated that due to lack of interest in the FA market, he would play for anybody. I'm as surprised as he is that he's still out there, waiting by the phone. Ireland should give Woodson a call and offer him the opportunity to fiish his stellar career in Miami. His presence alone would be worth it just for the fact of his leadership. We all saw how Jason Taylor inspired younger guys around him to play better. Let's let Charles Woodson get the same chance.

How about it Miami? How about bringing Charles Woodson to South Beach and put the final piece of the puzzle to a fantastic offseason.

Sound off Dolphin Fans and tell me what you think. If Miami made one more signing would you want it to be for Charles Woodson, or possibly someone else?

More Dolphins Coverage:

Poll

If you were GM Jeff Ireland

The Fab Five: Miami's Top Targets at Pick #12

2013-04-08T20:06:47Z

This has easily been the wildest Miami Dolphins offseason that I can remember. By bringing in big names like Mike Wallace and Brent Grimes, this shows that this team is ready to win NOW. But, it's the signing of guys like Dannell Ellerbe, Philip Wheeler, and Lance Louis, that shows that sometimes we really don't know what's going on in the mind of GM Jeff Ireland.

Make no mistake... there are a plethora of options to explore in the upcoming draft. From trading up, to trading down, to trading to next year's draft alltogether, we could all be stunned in a few weeks on what direction we go (Editor's note: please don't draft a freaking guard!).

A few familiar names seem to surround the Dolphins in the middle of round one, however there is also the possibility of top players falling and surprising us at pick 12. Based on projections and positions of need, my list below does not consider talents such as Luke Joeckel, Dion Jordan, Sharrif Floyd, Eric Fisher, Ezekial Ansah, Dee Milliner, Star Lotulelei or Jarvis Jones. There is a good possibility that atleast one of these players drops to pick 12, and if that is the case, they are absolutely worth a look. However, I wouldn't count on this happening, and that is why I give you the following five players that should be Miami's main targets if they do choose to stand pat at pick #12.

5. Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

School: University of Texas

Height: 6'0

Weight: 215

I admit, when the offseason first started, I was one of the few here that thought SAFETY, not cornerback or wide receiver, was our main concern. I thought Miami had a young defense who could hugely benefit from a top safety presence working alongside future stud, Reshad Jones. This is a main reason why my first draft man-crush was Kenny Vaccaro, and also a main reason why I still think Miami should take a flier at a vet like Charles Woodson in free agency just for veteran leadership alone.

Physically, Kenny Vaccaro is a force. He has good size and athleticism and can play a variety of roles in the backfield. He is good in coverage, and even better against the run. He is a smart player with good intangibles and would be great in blitz packages in Kevin Coyle's aggressive defensive scheme.

On the other hand, Miami has already made the decision to resign safety Chris Clemons, and this will hurt Vaccaro's stock alot to be our top pick. As physical as he is, he is not a ball hawk player such as former Longhorn Earl Thomas. Vaccaro ran a mediocre 4.63 40-yard dash, and although he plays faster than his combine states, he also is not the guy who has shown he can cover alot of ground and make plays. In fact, he only had 5 interceptions in his entire time at Texas.

Overall, Vaccaro has got a great chance to be a solid safety in the league for a long time. However, he may not be the best fit so early for the Dolphins considering that they resigned Clemons, and it might be better value for Miami to address safety with later picks, where a guy like Matt Elam, Jonathan Cyprien, Philip Thomas, Matt Elam or D.J. Swearinger, might actually be a better fit... with just as high of a ceiling as Vaccaro.

4. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

School: Notre Dame

Height: 6'6

Weight: 250

A month ago, I wouldn't have looked twice at Tyler Eifert. Now, he's one of the greatest risers and could be the absolute best selection with a middle pick in round 1. After losing solid but unspectacular Anthony Fasano in free agency, Miami chose to replace the tight end position with AFC East native, Dustin Keller. While I do love that signing to give Tannehill another target in the red zone, two main problems remain; 1) Keller isn't our long term option at tight end and 2) Keller can't block.

If you look at the upgrades on offense, the differences to this team are night and day with the additions we have made thus far. However, the one thing that can be improved (besides our line) is our red zone offense... Who can get the ball across the goal line on a third down and goal from the eight yard line? Tyler Eifert, and his 6'6 frame could make a case to be that man.

I wouldn't be opposed to adding another offensive playmaker at pick #12, and if we do, I think the Notre Dame tight end that is the pick. People will claim for Tavon Austin; as great as a player he may be, wide receiver is a deep position already (wow, who would have thought!?), he would practically eradicate any role of Davone Bess, and he STILL would not help us be a big target to improve our red zone efficiency. So simply put, I don't see it.

Although Eifert lacks elite strength and speed, he is a big bodied target that could be that missing piece on offense that can make Miami one of the scariest offenses in the league. Just think of adding a Jason Witten or Kyle Rudolph to our already impressive wide receiver depth? Well Eifert is in that mold. He has big hands, and can make tough catches in traffic. He is a solid blocker but will need to improve to be a top all-around tight end. Atleast for next year, him and Keller would show Patriot-esque signs in terms of terrorizing teams in two tight end sets.

Though I am not sure Miami will look to pass over a need like offensive line or secondary in the draft, if they do select an offensive playmaker, there is no doubt that Eifert should be that selection.

3. Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State

School: Florida State University

Height: 6'2

Weight: 210

There is a reason Xavier Rhodes is your most mocked projection for the Miami Dolphins at pick #12. He is a viable replacement for a position of need for a team that just lost their top CB in Sean Smith. Rhodes is of similar height and height of Smith, and also looks to be more physical than Smith.

Rhodes has fantastic athleticism and thrives in man coverage, having more than enough strength and speed to stay with the most talented of receivers. You would have to believe that the interesting signing of Brent Grimes will probably play a big role in Miami's draft day strategy. First of all, cornerback is now not a "must" with our first pick; when healthy Grimes is easily one of the best zone corners in the game. As Kevin Nogle pointed out in today's Mock Draft 2.0, the fact that Grimes was signed allows Miami to go after a riskier more physical corner like Rhodes, who will be better suited to match up against larger receivers.

Like Smith though, Rhodes has a tendency to use his hands and be too physical at the line of scrimmage, which will cause a handful of pass interference flags in the NFL. His aggressiveness could be a downfall too depending on you look at it, Rhodes has been burnt on occasions and will sometimes give up a big reception trying to make a play. Personally, I think cornerback could be the position we look at in the first round, and depending on how the coaches think Grimes' rehab is going, Rhodes could be the perfect compliment to him. Or they can look at the man below...

2. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

School: University of Washington

Height: 6'0

Weight: 190

Where Rhodes uses his size and athleticism to make plays, Trufant uses finesse, and he was quietly one of the best corners in college football last season. Before Miami signed Brent Grimes, Trufant seemed to be the best fitfor a guy who can step in and be NFL ready in a primarily zone-run defense. Now, the Dolphins have a bit more flexibility with Grimes, Marshall and Patterson currently on roster, however Trufant still might be the pick.

Desmond has had two older brothers try their luck in the NFL (Isiah and Marcus) and has been compared to Texans CB Jonathan Joseph, who is a two-time pro bowler. Trufant has similar speed to Rhodes, but lacks a big body, so technique is more crucial to his game. Still, he was respected at Washington, and teams rarely tried to see his side of the field. Despite his average frame, he is still a good tackler and doesn't shy away from contact.

It will ultimately be up to Miami by choice if they decide to go cornerback with their first pick. If Dee Milliner is gone, and he most likely will be, Miami could choose between the physicality of Rhodes or the fundamentals of Trufant.

1. Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

School: University of Oklahoma

Height: 6'6

Weight: 303

Every week or so you will hear about a player "gaining steam" and quietly rising up teams' draft boards. Recently, that player has been offensive tackle, Lane Johnson. Johnson is a big boy at 6'6, but it's his athleticism that is drawing some attention to teams (he is a former quarterback, tight end and defensive end). Overshadowed by the Luke Joeckel and Eric Fisher, who should be top 5 picks, Johnson has been labeled as more 'raw' but with just as much upside as the others.

His great frame and athleticism would be an offensive fit in Miami's scheme, however rumors have appeared about Miami and Johnson as of late. First, there was rumor that Miami was very interested in Johnson, so much that they were looking to trade up anywhere from pick 5-10 to get him. Then today, Miami Herald's own Armando Salguero, said he "knows" Miami has questions about Johnson.

The Dolphins really like Joekel and Fisher. But I KNOW they have questions about Johnson. So there's that.
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) April 8, 2013

But, this is the time where smokescreens are thick and although Miami will need to do their homework to see if Johnson would be ready to start Week 1, I seriously doubt that they aren't intrigued over Johnson and his 4.70 40-speed.

After Jake Long's departure to St. Louis, offensive tackle is the one position where Miami has yet to address. Although a handful of respectable tackles remain in free agency, Miami might look to draft a young stud and solidify the line with our top pick. Although, I wouldn't be thrilled with losing a second round draft pick to trade up five spots to grab the third highest rated tackle (OK, I would be upset..), the fact is that Miami needs a tackle in a bad way. If Johnson is still on the board past single digits I would not be opposed to jumping San Diego and trading a later round pick to select him at pick #10. Johnson may not be the sexy pick you might be looking for, but it would fill the last remaining DEEP hole on the team.

So there you have it! Though the draft may throw us a few curveballs that we can't prepare for, the fact is that those 5 guys above are probably right at the top of Miami's draft board. Unless the unforeseen happens, who would you like Miami to go after in the draft? [Personally, I can live with all of these guys at #12!] If it's someone different, please tell us why in the comments below.

Poll

The clock is running and these five guys are on your draft board... who's your pick for Miami at #12 overall?

Kenny Vaccaro, S

24 votes

Tyler Eifert, TE

222 votes

Xavier Rhodes, CB

111 votes

Desmond Trufant, CB

87 votes

Lane Johnson, OT

275 votes

719 votes | Poll has closed

Possible look at the new uniform?

2013-04-04T16:01:46Z

This image surfaced today of a what very well could be Miami's new Home Jersey? While it could be a fan created item, it certainly does fit Ben Volin's description of what the jersey was going to be.

Personally, I'm still getting used to the new logo, but I love this look. It's clean and the all white is a huge home field advantage to summer home games in the heat.

What do you think?

Mike Wallace to the Dolphins "A done deal"?

2013-03-11T15:50:11Z

Overwhelming reports from ESPN, Sports Illustrated and USA Today have all been told that a deal taking Mike Wallace to South Beach is all but official. Wallace had drawn interest from a few other teams, including division rival New England, but after a report surfaced this weekend that Wallace prefers "warm weather", all talks of his new team seem to nail Miami as the only likely candidate.

This morning, the Palm Beach Post heard from someone they trust that Mike Wallace to Miami is a "done deal". So there's that...

It appears that Mike Wallace was agent #1 on Jeff Ireland's target list, and Miami could look to lock up the 26 year old, Ole Miss alum as early as Tuesday evening. Wallace gives Miami that playmaker they have been looking for and suddenly a Wallace/Hartline combo seems rather intriguing at receiver. Plus the Dolphins might not be done yet, looking to add additional receiver help in free agency and/or the draft.

So if the deal is all but official, sound off below and voice your usual comments of approval, disapproval or Ireland bashing.

Poll

Mike Wallace in Miami... What's your take?

Approve

1160 votes

Disapprove

56 votes

Let's wait until it's official and see the numbers before I decide.

373 votes

1589 votes | Poll has closed

"A lot of Buzz between Dolphins and Mendenhall"

2013-03-10T01:24:14Z

"A lot of Buzz between Dolphins and Mendenhall"

Apparently there is talk about the Dolphins having heavy interest in free agent Rashard Mendenhall. While I'd expect Miami to possibly explore replacements if Bush leaves, one would also think that Miami could look to the draft to do just that? If healthy, Mendenhall or a good pass-catching free agent like Kevin Smith could be worth a lookas a good fit in Miami's west coast offense.

Jeff Ireland: The Keyholder to the Miami Dolphins Franchise

2013-03-01T15:12:59Z

The next few weeks are arguably some of the most exciting in football. It's a time where every team is tied at 0-0, and looking to shape up their rosters to be the NFL's next best franchise. Some teams are at the bottom, looking up, while others are resting at the top, and trying to keep their momentum rolling into the next season.

But most of these teams lay smack dab in the middle... teams on the outside looking in, and desperately wanting to eat at the big kids table. One of these teams, the Miami Dolphins, is poised to make this a big jump next season.

The Dolphins are third in cap space (only behind Cincinnati and Cleveland) with around $47 million dollars to spend. They also have third most picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, trailing only Seattle and San Francisco. The Dolphins will be looking to bring in impact players while also possibly tying up some of their big name unrestricted free agents: Jake Long, Reggie Bush, Sean Smith, Randy Starks and Brian Hartline.

Every day a new rumor will start up and fans like you and I will put on our imaginary GM caps and predict the "perfect offseason", down to the 7th round draft pick and the dollar amount given to new free agents that are brought in. As fun as this tradition is, and despite the fact that it will probably go on EVERY offseason until the end of time, there seems to be one simple problem.... none of us are GM.

In fact, the honor of transforming the Dolphins franchise to elite, or burning it to the ground completely, ultimately rests on one man: GM Jeff Ireland, perhaps the most polarizing figure in South Florida sports.

"I got 99 problems but a QB ain't one"

Of course, Ireland will have his own entourage. Owner Stephen Ross will ultimately have some say on how this money is spent, and head coach Joe Philbin will have a large part in bringing in the names to best fit his system. Ireland additionally brought 55 coaches and scouts with him to last week's NFL combine to help digest all of the talent.

This season, however, seems to have that "make it or break it" feel- regarding our entire front office.

The Dolphins FINALLY have a prospering potential "franchise quarterback", plenty of money to spend and a handful of draft picks to find the next young studs to carry this team forward. It's an optimistic time here in Miami, but many Dolphins fans are hesitant to get too excited about the "possibility" of greatness, to best protect themselves from a chance of failure. This post is NOT a recap of events from Ireland's tenure in Miami, but rather a simple question... do you trust him?

Personally, I don't really have reason to be too skeptical of anything Ireland has done (I think he gets a lot of bad rap unfairly), but I also firmly believe that trust must be earned, and Ireland has to put all the fire behind him and do his best work in the following weeks. Regardless of your opinion on the GM, this season will seal his fate either way; he could end up a legend -OR- he will be long gone, way before the angry mob has a chance to gather their signs and head to Dolphins training camp to riot.

But I'd like to hear your opinion... sound off below and vote if you can see yourselves go forward and put your trust in Jeff Ireland this offseason. Or perhaps you just don't have that "warm and fuzzy" feeling that he will be able to break the streak of mediocrity in Miami. I'll post an update to this after free agency and the draft, and we will see if anything has changed. One thing is for sure, we all better strap in tight because the next few months should be a wild ride.

Poll

Do you trust Jeff Ireland this offseason with your Miami Dolphins? (No "Not sure's".. man up and make a decision!)

Yes

275 votes

No

105 votes

380 votes | Poll has closed

Miami Dolphins Free Agent Wide Receiver Options- Diamonds in the Rough

2013-02-12T16:25:17Z

Miami has an epic task this offseason, and of course, the popular topic over the next few months will be what shiny new targets Miami chooses to bring in at receiver to help Ryan Tannehill blossom to Pro Bowl level. We've already taken a look at the so-called "Big Three" last week, of course in reference to Greg Jennings, Mike Wallace and Dwayne Bowe, each of whom can very well end up in Miami a few months from now.

Miami does have the money to sign one of the aforementioned gentlemen (hell, even two if they so choose) but you can't forget that are 31 other teams out there in the NFL and no free agents are guaranteed predictions, no matter how much "sense" it might make in a fan's head. Even so, Miami's front office might choose to look at free agency to a target who may be out of the spotlight, yet who could make a solid contribution on the field. Most likely, the guys mentioned below will be more of a "complementary role" however, all signs do point to Miami looking to sign a top free agent wide receiver, draft one in one of the early rounds, or both.

The few names below will be possibly looked at, however if any of them actually do get signed there are two likely scenarios:

1.) This receiver will not be our TOP wide receiver. He will be more of a complementary role (#2-#4 receiver).

2.) Free agent WR Brian Hartline will NOT be retained. Look for this receiver to take Hartline's role, and possibly be brought in at a cheaper price.

So let's take a look at the unrestricted free agents that could be on the radar...

Diamonds in the Rough-

Plaxico Burress-

Years Experience: 11

Strengths: Size/Redzone

Interest Level: LOW

Plaxico rejoined his former team in Pittsburgh in Week 15 and tried to show that he had some juice left in the tank. The 6'5 target was one of the best red zone targets in his prime, but that was long ago and with his legal problems, age, and conditioning, he just doesn't make too much sense for Joe Philbin's rebuilding Dolphins.

Randy Moss-

Years Experience: 14

Strengths: Size/Redzone

Interest Level: LOW

Moss, the self-proclaimed "best receiver in NFL history" (Editor's note: lay off the crack bro) is fresh off another Super Bowl appearance and yet another disappointing loss. With probably a year or two of football left, at best, Moss is most likely looking to wrap up his career on a contender, so the Niners will probably keep him around for next to nothing. The future hall of famer was once the most exciting player in the game, but he doesn't make much sense for a team rebuilding from the ground up.

Deion Branch-

Years Experience: 11

Strengths: Size/Redzone

Interest Level: LOW

Branch is an interesting name that has been a product of the productive Patriots system for over a decade now. He's small, quick and shifty, but I can't imagine him being the answer here in Miami. One would think that the Dolphins already have Davone Bess under contract, who would be better suited in the slot anyway. Look for Branch to stay put in New England or be brought to another team as a reserve role.

Braylon Edwards-

Years Experience: 8

Strengths: Strength

Interest Level: LOW

The third overall pick of the 2006 draft is a big name that has shifted from place to place as of late. His size and strength could be of service, but Miami already turned down a chance to bring him in prior to last offseason. Teams have grown tired of his attitude not matching his performance and if Braylon couldn't perform on the Jets when they had practically NOBODY, don't look for him to be even a thought here in Miami.

Jerome Simpson-

Years Experience: 8

Strengths: Flips

Interest Level: LUKEWARM

The flip heard round the world. Jerome Simpson was a big reason the Bengals made the playoffs in 2011, helping Andy Dalton & Co. secure a wildcard birth. Simpson is an athletic player with decent size and speed, and might hold top honors for best NFL play of all time. However, he was signed by Minnesota last year on a one year, $2 million deal and was a huge bust, being suspended for the first three games for violating the team's substance abuse policy and finishing without a touchdown. Don't look for him to be the answer, but stranger things have happened here in Miami.

Brandon Tate-

Years Experience: 4

Strengths: Strength

Interest Level: LUKEWARM

Dolphin fans remember Tate well enough, unfortunately it was because of his 103-yard kick return in a 2010 stomping from the Patriots down in South Florida. Tate fit well in the Patriot offense, using his big body and size to produce as a solid numbers at receiver and as well in special teams. In 2011 however, Tate was traded to Cincinnati, and although he has shown flashes, he has only 2 touchdowns in the last 2 years in Ohio.

Donnie Avery-

Years Experience: 5

Strengths: Speed/Playmaker

Interest Level: LUKEWARM

Here is where things get interesting... Avery excelled with his 2 first seasons in St. Louis, using his big play ability to accumulate for 9 touchdowns and a good chunk of Sam Bradford's offense. However, he missed all of 2010 with injury and was picked up by Tennessee the following year, where he battled injury and ended up with a whopping 3 catches on the entire season (although he did score!). His career was pretty much left for dead and flat lined, until he was signed this year with Indianapolis. Avery caught Andrew Luck's FIRST touchdown pass, a last second game-winner against Detroit, and finished with nearly 800 yards. SB Nation's Stampede Blue wrote a great article on him, which you can read here. Though Indianapolis will look to retain him to keep a top target for Luck, they may decide to go with rookie T.Y. Hilton in his role instead, and Miami could have an intriguing look at a possible steal at an outside wide receiver.

Brandon Gibson-

Years Experience: 6

Strengths: Deep Threat

Interest Level: LUKEWARM

Another guy Miami might know a bit better than other teams, Gibson was drafted out of Washington State in the sixth round of the 2009 draft by the Eagles. He has spent his last full 3 years with the Rams, and capped off a pretty decent 2011 season, filling in for an injured Danny Amendola. Gibson shows good speed and hands and might find a new team if St. Louis looks to bring in a big name WR in this year's draft. Will Miami be on the radar?

Johnny Knox-

Years Experience: 4

Strengths: Speed/Versatility

Interest Level: HIGH

Knox missed the entire 2011 season after a gnarly back injury in 2010. Before then, Knox worked with Devin Hester, and were two of the fastest players at their position. Knox is a versatile receiver who can also produce in special teams and could be paired up with a bigger wideout for a nice little tandem. However his injury is a bit concerning and teams, including Miami, should be a bit weary when extending a contract, unless it's financially responsible.

Joshua Cribbs-

Years Experience: 8

Strengths: Strength

Interest Level: HIGH

The only 2013 Pro Bowler to make this list, Cribbs has excelled in special teams since his introduction to the NFL in 2005. He has been on his Cleveland his entire career and has quietly become one of the biggest play-makers in the midwest, earning a spot on the NFL's all decade team. While Cribbs holds a special spot in the hearts of many Browns fans, he is one of the league's most dangerous returners and might seek a decent contract from another team. Mix that with his ability at wide receiver, and you have to wonder if Miami would be willing to take a look if the price is right?

Ramses Barden-

Years Experience: 4

Strengths: Size

Interest Level: HIGH

Ramses Barden had to be a player on the Dolphins radar in the 2009 draft, before he was scooped up by the Giants in the third round. Barden not only has an awesome Egyptian-style name, but his 6'6 frame makes him one of the biggest targets in the league. He terrorized players back at division III Cal Poly, and showed promise in New York despite a handful of big name players get most of Eli Manning's attention. Despite his potential however, he has yet to catch a NFL touchdown in his four year career, so he's far from a pro bowl player at this point. However, he may be that ultimate diamond in the rough for a team who takes a flyer on him and he may be the ultimate steal in this year's free agency.

So what do you think about this year's free agency wide receiver class? Should Miami go all-in for a big name free agent receiver or would you want to go for a steal and get a "diamond in the rough" player? Regardless, look for Miami to make some serious moves to the depth chart in terms of wide receiver within the next two-three months.

Update: Reports from the Miami Herald are surfacing that the Dolphins are in talks with extending a contract to Brian Hartline. If this is the case, Miami may look to add receiver help, however the players on this list will be that much less likely to be in South Florida this year.

For a list of all free agent wide receivers check out Kevin Nogle's post here.

Poll

Which of these players would you MOST like to explore in free agency if YOU were GM?

Plaxico Burress

3 votes

Randy Moss

7 votes

Braylon Edwards

4 votes

Brandon Gibson

24 votes

Donnie Avery

44 votes

Brandon Tate

8 votes

Deion Branch

0 votes

Jerome Simpson

19 votes

Joshua Cribbs

139 votes

Ramses Barden

127 votes

Johnny Knox

100 votes

None; Resign Brian Hartline instead.

301 votes

None; save money and spend elsewhere in FA/draft.

91 votes

867 votes | Poll has closed

Seasons	Games	Tackles	INTs	Sacks	TDs
15	206	924	55	17	11