It’s not out of the query that the Miami Dolphins’ $120 million vast receiver might be used on punt returns in 2022.
The Dolphins apparently positioned star wideout Tyreek Hill because the crew’s prime punt returner, together with veteran working again Raheem Mostert because the No. 1 kick returner in Monday’s depth chart launch. With Jaylen Waddle listed because the backup to every, that’s loads of the crew’s prime offensive expertise on returns.
Coach Mike McDaniel wasn’t shy on Wednesday, forward of the Dolphins’ first of two joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, about expressing that he could also be keen to make use of a few of Miami’s most valued investments on particular groups.
“I’m keen to do something at any given time at any second,“ he initially quipped earlier than later providing a extra in-depth response.
”There’s an open competitors in every single place. We have now lots of people which have the flexibility to return the ball within the punt and kickoff sport, and through the season, we plan to make the most of everybody that makes probably the most sense for the crew.
“Bear in mind: Particular groups yards are yards, identical as defensive yards given up, identical as offensive yards gained. We’ll use our gamers to greatest transfer the ball down the sphere to attain touchdowns or cease different individuals from transferring it.”
Hill returned punts earlier in his profession with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, however the six-time Professional Bowl choice hasn’t executed it persistently since 2018. Mostert, though initially breaking into the NFL as a kick returner, has not executed it lately since changing into a dependable NFL tailback with the San Francisco 49ers.
The Dolphins signed Hill to a four-year, $120 million contract upon buying and selling for him with the Chiefs in March. Mostert, 30, who's enjoying this season after knee surgical procedure that reduce his 2021 marketing campaign quick after two rush makes an attempt, is making $3.125 million on a one-year deal. Massive-money gamers not often are main particular groups contributors as high-speed collisions usually tend to happen within the open area of the return sport.
Deiter returns
Dolphins offensive lineman Michael Deiter returned to apply on Wednesday after a two-week absence for the reason that crew’s first coaching camp session with a foot harm.
“He seems good,” mentioned beginning middle Connor Williams. “I feel he was actually excited to have the ability to get again on the sphere, and we’ve clearly missed him. He’s a fantastic particular person and he’s a fantastic contribution to the O-line, and we wanted him on the market. I feel he did very properly.”
Deiter, who was the crew’s beginning middle final season when wholesome, missed 9 video games in 2021 coping with the foot ailment.
On Wednesday, Deiter was concerned in 1-on-1 and even restricted crew drills towards the Buccaneers entrance, at one level serving to to open up a giant run for working again Salvon Ahmed.
Shaheen commerce
McDaniel addressed the Dolphins’ commerce of tight finish Adam Shaheen for a late decide swap within the 2023 NFL draft, sending a seventh-round choice to the Houston Texans for a sixth-rounder.
“To our tight finish room’s credit score, we thought that we might afford in investing sooner or later draft capital,” McDaniel mentioned. “We had been completely satisfied for Adam. We had been completely satisfied for the Dolphins that we had been ready to do this.”
The Dolphins nonetheless have Mike Gesicki and Durham Smythe main the tight finish unit, which is studying a brand new offense beneath McDaniel this coaching camp. Second-year participant Hunter Lengthy now has a chance to raise his standing. Cethan Carter is a sound blocker and particular groups contributor, whereas the Dolphins even have undrafted rookie Tanner Conner on the place.
Physicality guidelines
Joint practices are recognized to get just a little extra bodily than when groups open coaching camp towards their very own teammates. McDaniel set the tone for a way he needs his gamers to remain out of extracurricular exercise after the whistle towards the Buccaneers.
“We’re approaching it precisely like we method our personal practices, the place it’s vital to me for guys to not battle with their teammates,” mentioned McDaniel. “Typically it occurs, however you ensure that gamers perceive that something outdoors of the whistle is simply hurting the crew.”
Two fast dust-ups occurred on Wednesday as Bucs working again Leonard Fournette struck Dolphins defensive sort out Christian Wilkins’ helmet after a run and Miami security Brandon Jones popped a Tampa tailback, resulting in a shoving match.
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