NFL Draft Info - Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins 2010 Draft Focus: Wide Receiver

By Keith Beebe

Now that the franchise quarterback audition in Miami is officially over, the Dolphins absolutely need to add  a big, play-making receiver to its group of undersized wideouts.

No, Ted Ginn Jr. isn't a No.1 wide receiver, and it's absurd that anyone thought he could become a go-to threat for the Dolphins in the first place. Sure, Ginn is the closest Miami will ever get to putting a Dolphins uniform on Secretariat, but Ted struggles getting off the line of scrimmage and is nonexistent over the middle of the field. And don't get me started with the dropped passes; Ginn uses his body when attempting to make a catch, which means he's incapable of snatching the ball out of air when he is tightly contested by opposing defensive backs.

And then there's third-round pick Patrick Turner, who only dressed for a few games this season and wasn't in on any offensive plays for the Dolphins. Turner is 6'5 and supposedly has great hands, but he lacks the burst to separate from defensive backs. Apparently his route running isn't anything to write home about, either.

Don't get me wrong, I am not giving up on Turner. He could very well turn out to be an solid receiver for the Dolphins, though I see him as more of a red zone threat than a reliable No.1 wideout.

On the positive side, there's Davone Bess, who is about one more productive season away from completely erasing Wes Welker's name from the minds of Dolphins fans. Bess is lethal out of the slot and can consistently convert on third down. He's not a No.1 receiver (or anything remotely close to it), but he's currently Chad Henne's most reliable target.

Fortunately for Miami, there will be some outstanding receivers available in the 2010 draft. Yes, it would be cruel (but not unusual) for Bill Parcells and the front office to eschew the wideout position in order to pick up more defensive talent. But while I can't see Parcells going after a receiver in the first round (especially considering the holes Miami has at nose tackle and linebacker), I do think the Dolphins will pick up a receiver in round two or three.

Who are the candidates, you ask? Well, I've narrowed the extensive list of draft receivers down to the five I believe would have the most success playing in South Beach.

Dez Bryant -- Oklahoma State

Now, I know I just said Miami isn't going with a receiver in the first round, but Dez Bryant's play-making ability solidifies his worth on just about any list concerning the receivers available in this draft.

Dez isn't necessarily fast (4.5 range) and demonstrated questionable judgment skills this season when he had inappropriate contact with Deion Sanders (and supposedly an agent), but Bryant is a big-bodied wideout that can consistently separate from defenders and create plays in space. Simply put, he is a nightmare to match up with.

Bryant's also been said to be a better receiving prospect than Michael Crabtree, who validated his No. 10 draft pick by absolutely tearing apart opposing secondaries during the second half of the 2009 season. If Bryant's really a better player than Crabtree coming out of college, I pity defenses that have to game-plan for him.

Arrelious Benn -- Illinois

My favorite receiver in this year's class, Arrelious Benn is the kind of receiver that would give Chad Henne the license to blow holes in opposing defenses. Benn's speed is in the 4.4 range, but the strength of his game actually comes from his ability to pick up yards after the catch. At 6'2, 220, Benn is another mach-up nightmare for defenses. He will occasionally drop a pass, but has very strong hands that allow him to easily snatch the ball out of the air.

Damian Williams -- USC

Damian Williams is an intriguing prospect for two simple reasons: he runs outstanding routes and his hands are like glue.

Williams comes in a bit undersized at 6'1, 190, but boasts adequate speed (4.5 range) and an ability to manufacture YAC. Williams' mastery of the route tree undoubtedly makes him a good fit in the Dolphins' passing offense, and though he lacks the pure speed teams crave at the wide receiver position, Williams has the ability to get down-field and stretch the defense.

The Dolphins might be gun shy about taking another USC wideout, but I'd say Williams is a much safer pick than a lumbering, speed-devoid wideout such as Turner.

Mike Williams -- Syracuse

Despite his messy (and I mean messy) exit from Syracuse, Mike Williams' draft stock hasn't really changed much. Why? Probably because he's an outstanding No.1 receiving prospect with game-changing ability.

A big-bodied (6'2, 210) wideout that can get open and out-jump receivers for the ball, Williams is the kind of receiver Miami is looking for: powerful, physical and slippery.

The former Orangeman has strong hands, great leaping ability and runs in the 4.4 range, but also comes with a bit of baggage, too. After being kicked off the Syracuse football team in 2008, Williams left the team for good last November after being involved in a car accident that jeopardized his roster status.

Nevertheless, Williams has all the physical tools to be a dominant No.1 wideout in the NFL.

Demaryius Thomas -- Georgia Tech

Demaryius Thomas has been getting a lot of attention from Dolphins fans over the last two months. No, he's not the same caliber of player as former Yellow Jacket wideout Calvin Johnson, but Thomas does resemble Anquan Boldin in a number of ways.

At 6'3, 230, Thomas is one of the biggest receivers in this draft. He has strong hands, good speed (especially for such a big wideout) and seems to enjoy mauling prospective tacklers after the catch.

Thomas will occasionally drop passes, but also appears to be in the habit of catching the ball away from his frame, which is always a good sign. Right now it's likely he'll be taken in the third round, but that could change if he runs a strong 40-yard dash at the combine.

Bottom Line: Dez Bryant is the slam-dunk wide receiver prospect of this draft, but I think the Dolphins would be better served to address a defensive need in round one and then look for Arrelious Benn, Damian Williams or Mike Williams in round two.

I believe Arrelious Benn, with his combination of speed, hands and ability to create after the catch, would be the best fit for Miami's offense. However, Damian Williams' superb route-running ability and deceptive speed make him an outstanding wideout prospect that should be able to quickly adapt to the NFL.

I also believe Mike Williams is a solid prospect for the Dolphins -- especially if he's somehow available in the third round.