Many Dolfans out there believe the Dolphins have enough weapons to be a playoff team and it’s all about the triggerman Chad Henne in terms of finding success to make the postseason. The fan base seems pretty content with the Dolphins receiving core as a whole. Having the go to guy in Brandon Marshall, the killer from the slot Davone Bess, and white lightning in Brian Hartline, most believe Miami is pretty set at wide out.
The NFL has become a pure passing league. The formula for success has become find the QB, then protect him and get him solid weapons.
While the offensive line in Miami might come with some question marks, I do believe that the Dolphins have done a decent job in trying to find the right people to protect Chad Henne.
The reason I started thinking about this is because former Dolphins’ WR OJ McDuffie said on Armando and the Amigo that the Dolphins should consider Davone Bess as their OTHER starting WR, saying “Brian Hartline, hasn’t gotten open deep as often as I would want.”
My question for you today, though, is Brian Hartline really a capable #2 WR?Last year Hartline secured 615 yards on 43 receptions along with 1 TD. Hartline averaged 14.3 yards per catch. Tony has already hinted that Hartline will line up at #2 and be Miami’s deep threat along with potentially rookie Clyde Gates and #4 WR Roberto Wallace.
My issue is that is Brian Hartline really putting fear in any opposing team’s defense? Hartline has decent speed but is far from elite NFL speed. Hartline has ok size but once again doesn’t line up as one of the more powerful WR’s in the league. So in terms of psychical raw talent, I would say Hartline is average.
I am not here to rip apart Hartline because I think he is a very capable NFL receiver and would make a very solid #3 WR. When preparing for the NFL draft Hartline was asked what type of a WR he expects to be and he responded,
”I think that’s probably a main asset if you’re going to draft myself,” he said. ”There’s probably not a ton of slot receivers you can think of off the top of your head. I’m sure there’s some desire out there for a certain guy, whether it’s me or somebody else.” http://www.zimbio.com/Brian+Hartline/articles/6/Brian+Hartline+Takes+NFL+Combine
So if Hartline see’s himself as a slot WR and not a deep threat, then why should I??My issue is comparing some playoff teams number #2 WR with Hartline and I simply find we don’t matchup.
Eagles: Maclin > Hartline
Colts: Garcon+ Collie > Hartline
Jets: Burress (with his size and red zone potential for a 1 year deal) > Hartline
Chargers: Malcolm Floyd (beast of a target, hard to miss on the field) > Hartline
Ravens: Lee Evans > Hartline
Steelers: Hines Ward (on the tail end of his career however for this upcoming season would prefer him to Hartline if Ward is healthy) > Hartline
Chiefs: Steve Breston > Hartline
Packers: Jones, Driver, Nelson > Hartline
Falcons: Julio Jones > Hartline
Like I said, the NFL is about giving your QB weapons and as far as the #2 spot, I feel the Dolphins are lacking elite talent.
What do you think? Can Hartline be an elite #2 WR?
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