The Miami Dolphins are in desperate need of getting Ryan Tannehill to step up to the next level in his professional career. Right now, most quarterbacks in his draft range have experienced some kind of postseason playing and yet the Dolphins are still struggling to stay above .500. The team has tried to load up on offensive weapons, but the roster is far from finalized heading into training camp.
The Dolphins made what they hope are key upgrades to the roster on offense and they could force certain players to step up their game or risk getting released. Mike Wallace is a lock to remain on the roster. There were reports that the Dolphins might try and shot the wide receiver after he failed to develop any kind of chemistry with Tannehill last season, but those trade talks fell on deaf ears and Wallace is in South Beach to stay. So is new rookie Jarvis Landry who was drafted No. 63 overall out of LSU. The Dolphins are hoping he can develop into a true deep threat receiver and create a nice tandem with Wallace. So what does that mean for everyone else?
According to Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post, both Brian Hartline and Brandon could be at risk of getting traded or released if Wallace and Landry impress early. Both Hartline and Gibson were strong options for Tannehill last season, but injuries might force either player out. Gibson is currently recovering from a torn patellar tendon while Hartline is coming back from a torn PCL. Gibson was not seen during offseason workouts while Hartline was extremely limited. Financially, both players are easy cuts as the Dolphins might have some hard choices ahead of them.
The team has been in talks to sign free agents like Jermichael Finley or Dustin Keller. Both tight ends are coming back from serious season-ending injuries, but the Dolphins need help at the position. Keller is the healthier option of the two and would sign for cheap in order to play. He has familiarity with the Dolphins' offense which puts him ahead of someone like Finley who might be the better talent.
Knowshon Moreno is currently in the same boat of needing to step his game up. Currently working on a one-year contract, Moreno is not doing himself any favors after reporting to camp overweight and partially injured. With Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas waiting in the wings to take his place, Moreno's training camp improvement will be key.
