Perhaps the last remaining weakness on an offense potentially destined for greatness, is the tight end position. Tight end was actually a strength on the 08′ team, though, as Anthony Fasano put up a solid 454 receiving yards and was a dangerous red zone target, accounting for 7 touchdowns.
09′ was a completely different story. Fasano had a disastrous opening day in Atlanta, when he lost two fumbles that essentially gave the game to the Falcons, and never fully recovered. He stumbled to a mediocre 339 receiving yards and only 2 touchdowns.
Now that the Dolphins have a complete receiving core, they won’t likely need to rely on much receiving production from their tight ends. Blocking may define Miami’s tight ends this year, but nonetheless, the front office could be tempted to add a receiving tight end next offseason, as the offense potentially moves to more of a pass first scheme with Ronnie and Ricky’s 2011 status up in the air.
Safe
Anthony Fasano: If Fasano can somehow return to his 08′ form, him and Brandon Marshall could produce a lethal redzone duo for Chad Henne to play with. Even if he doesn’t, though, he’s value as a run blocker can’t be ignored. He may not be a true receiving tight end, but he is arguably one of the better run blocking tight ends in football. Considering, the Dolphins still want to be a run-first offense, I would say Fasano is still the man for the job, and if the long-term vision of the team is to remain run-first, he could earn himself a nice multi-year contract to stay in Miami.
Joey Haynos: At 6-8, 270 pounds, you would think Haynos would be a more dangerous receiving threat, especially in the red zone. He produced some in his second season, with 169 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, but was still primarily used for blocking purposes. If he continues to be solid as a blocker, he could be a part of the Dolphins plans for years to come as a decent backup, but any emergence of receiving skills would highly benefit this offense, and could possibly translate into a competition for a starting role with Fasano.
Possible Cuts
John Nalbone: Nalbone was selected by the Dolphins in the fifth round last year and survived to the 53-man roster after training camp. He was never activated, though, and was release in early November. If the Dolphins were to keep four tight ends again, he would be guaranteed a roster spot, unless Miami were to sign another tight end. But many expect them to only keep three tight ends this time around, which would likely put Nalbone in a battle for that final spot with Kory Sperry.
Kory Sperry: Unlike Nalbone, Sperry actually saw some limited action a year ago, and had a game to remember in Week 10. Sperry had 3 catches for 31 yards and a score versus the Buccaneers, which is sure to give him a slight advantage over Nalbone as camp opens.
Predictions
Depth Chart
1. Anthony Fasano
2. Joey Haynos
3. Kory Sperry
Cuts
John Nalbone
Countdown to Camp: a week from today
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
