Since Mike McDaniel took over as the 14th head coach of the Miami Dolphins, the team has had one of the league’s most potent attacks. Last season, Miami’s offense averaged 28 points per game, and Tyreek Hill was a first-team All-Pro with 119 receptions and more than 1,700 receiving yards in consecutive seasons. The offense revolves around Hill, but Jaylen Waddle has become the first player in franchise history to start his career with 1,000 receiving yards in three consecutive seasons. In 2023, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa fueled Hill and Waddle’s productivity with 4,624 passing yards, a league high.
Finding a capable third-receiving option was one of Miami’s top priorities this offseason, considering a third target has failed to reach 500 receiving yards in the McDaniel era. Rarely seen in the NFL, the Dolphins are positioning themselves with a chance to be the sixth team in league history to feature three straight 1,000-yard receivers.
1980 San Diego Chargers: Kellen Winslow: 1,290 yards; John Jefferson: 1,340 yards; Charlie Joiner: 1,132 yards. Eric Metcalf has 1,189 yards with the Atlanta Falcons in 1995, while Terance Mathis had 1,039 yards. Bert Emanuel has 1,024 yards. 2004 Indianapolis Colts: Marvin Harrison 1,113 yards, Reggie Wayne 1,210 yards, Brandon Stokley 1,077 yards. Larry Fitzgerald had 1,431 yards in 2008 for the Arizona Cardinals, while Anquan Boldin had 1,038. Steve Breaston totaled 1,006 yards. 2020 Dallas Cowboys: Amari Cooper (1,114 yards), CeeDee Lamb (1,074 yards), Michael Gallup (1,004 yards).
It’s easier said than done, but keep in mind that Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards last year. The Dolphins ranked 20th in pass attempts, but Tagovailoa was second among quarterbacks with an average of 8.3 yards per attempt (minimum 100 attempts). Given Miami’s pre-snap motion, Hill played 63% and Waddle 56% of offensive snaps in 2023, but both averaged more than 14 yards per reception.
The Dolphins struggled to add a third banana while Hill or Waddle rested on the bench, but they enter 2024 with three players potential of joining them as 1,000-yard receivers. Hill and Waddle are notorious for torturing secondaries both before and after the catch, but keep in mind that Odell Beckham Jr. was eighth among all receivers last season with 16.1 yards per reception. The opportunity to play in McDaniel’s system was a big reason the three-time Pro Bowl receiver joined with South Florida.
