Miami Dolphins Ceiling and Floor Player Analysis: Charles Clay

Moving along to the second TE in the player analysis series, it'll be Charles Clay in the spotlight this morning. Clay's role in Miami has constantly been debated and it likely won't stop this summer as he could be competing with Michael Egnew for playing time. Some prefer him in an H-Back type role while others think of him strictly as a TE. We may not know exactly what role he'll fill in this offense until July or August and possibly even later.

Clay had a pretty good rookie campaign in 2011 as he finished with 16 receptions, 233 yards, and 3 TDs. His numbers in 2012 could be lower or significantly higher depending on how he fits into Miami's offense.

Floor: Clay may not have problems like Clyde Gates in that his abilities don't translate well into the WCO, but he will have his own hurdles to overcome to produce in 2012. It's very unlikely we'll see him be our starting TE, but he will have competition for playing time with Michael Egnew and potentially Les Brown if he surprises people in training camp. In the worst case scenario, Egnew would show enough ability to keep Clay off the field and allow Miami to use Anthony Fasano and Egnew in 2-TE sets. Stats: 15 receptions, 200 yards, 0 TDs.

Ceiling: Clay could prove to create mismatches in the middle of the field with the WCO and compliment Fasano well. Even in the best case scenario though, it's not likely Clay will be the starter so his role will be limited. With Chad Ochocinco joining the club, Davone Bess will probably resume his role as the #3 WR and the Dolphins may opt to use more 3-WR sets rather than 2-TE sets, even if Clay does prove to be useful when on the field. Overall, he's simply going to be a role player in 2012. Stats: 25 receptions, 300 yards, 4 TDs.