Miami Dolphins Player Ceiling and Floor Analysis: Brian Hartline

It's time to take a look at the receivers and there will likely be many more different opinions on how each of Miami's receivers will do. After all, Miami is converting to a new offensive system and we have no idea who will start at receiver and which QB will be throwing them the ball.

We'll start this position group with Brian Hartline, one of the projected starters for now. This one may also be the most debated for all the receivers. Let's get the arguments going.

Floor: Some would argue that Hartline's floor would have him as Miami's #3 or #4 WR behind Davone Bess, Clyde Gates, and Legedu Naanee. I find this highly unlikely though because Gates and Naanee aren't established route runners. That is is a key trait for a WR in a west coast offense so I have the odds of Gates of earning a starting job as slim. For those that have the opinion Marlon Moore may start, I have his odds as just as slim as Gates for the same reasons. Now to get back to Hartline. He may struggle for various reasons. If he earns the #1 WR job, he will face #1 CB's like Darrelle Revis more frequently. He may also have a new QB, possibly a rookie, throwing him the ball in a new system. There are a lot of things that can go wrong for Miami's new offense that could negatively impact Miami's receiving corps. Miami could look to be more of a running team that many would expect and the Dolphins may spread the ball around much more than they did in the past. The TE's may play more of a role and that could negatively impact Hartline's numbers. Stats: 40 receptions, 550 yards, 1 TD.

Ceiling: Hartline may very well be the #1 WR and personally, I think he has a better chance of being the #1 WR over Bess. Hartline could thrive in this offense with his quickness and his route running. While exactly a burner of a WR, Hartline does have good, not great speed, and maintains his speed well through his cuts. That can pay off big in this offense. Miami may pass the ball upwards of 60% of the time and with his abilities to fit this offense, Hartline may be the most targeted receiver on the team. His numbers may benefit greatly. Does this mean I think Hartline will be a top WR? No. I don't think Hartline will ever be a top 10 WR and likely not a top 20 WR. Still, he could do some very good things in this system. Another benefit the Dolphins and Hartline may have is the fact that they don't face many top defenses, specifically those known for shutting down the pass. Stats: 80 receptions, 1,200 yards, 8 TDs.