Versatility of newcomers Stills and Jennings could be key to Dolphins' receiver unit
By Shandel Richardson
Sun Sentinel
May 28, 2015, 9:10 AM
Initially, Kenny Stills was surprised..
He was caught off guard when he was traded to the Dolphins from the New Orleans Saints this offseason. His emotions were running high.
And then he arrived in South Florida.
The doubts were immediately erased.
"It's been going great," Stills said after Tuesday's organized team activity workout. "I'm just learning as much as I can every day and trying to make improvement on my season last year. … I think the biggest difference is just being in a new setting and having new teammates. But I love being here."
Stills is one of many new faces in the Dolphins' receiver group. Veteran Greg Jennings, rookie DeVante Parker and tight end Jordan Cameron are also newcomers on the roster, and their versatility has the Dolphins optimistic about their passing game.
"I'm excited about the guys that are here," Dolphins offensive coordinator Bill Lazor said. "I was excited about the acquiring of every single one of them that is here. They walk in the building every day with enthusiasm. They walk on the field with energy."
Stills, who is entering his third season, caught 85 passes for 931 yards and three touchdowns last year in New Orleans. He was signed to replace Mike Wallace, who was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason.
So far, he's made a positive impression.
"A great athlete," quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. "He's extremely fast. He's moving a lot faster than it looks like he's moving. It's been a lot of fun to work with him."
Head coach Joe Philbin said the wideouts are being groomed to play all the receiver positions, so Stills, Jennings, Parker and Jarvis Landry — last year's leading pass-catcher — could line up at different spots in the formation in certain situations.
That variety is reminiscent to the days when Philbin was with the Green Bay Packers, who used the element of surprise to confuse defenses.
"We've got some new guys, so we're getting them adjusted as quickly as we possibly can," Philbin said. "They don't necessarily have preconceived notions of, I'm a this, or I'm a that. What we're really doing is, installing concepts offensively as we are on defense and special teams and we want to expose guys to different things. That's one of the major focuses that we have. ...
"We met at length as an offensive staff last week and we talked and said, 'OK, these guys, let's get some of these guys some reps at this position and not get locked in,' so if one injury occurs we're all not of the sudden reinventing the wheel, so to speak."
Jennings' biggest impact could be leadership, and the Dolphins, who are young at receiver, are hoping to capitalize on his experience. Jennings, 31, is entering his 10th season, having played seven years in Green Bay before spending the last two with the Minnesota Vikings.
Stills, 23, said it has been a "blessing" to be able to learn from a veteran like Jennings.
Jennings — who joined the Dolphins in free agency — could also make Tannehill's job easier.
"He catches the ball," Philbin said. "I know this sounds elementary, but he catches the ball with his hands very well. ... He's a good route runner, crisp. He knows how to come in and out of his breaks well.
"I think he's been a quarterback-friendly type of receiver throughout the course of his career. I think the quarterbacks have faith, and I think it's going to take us time here as we get rolling, but he's a guy that ends up doing the right things versus different coverages. ... He has that good instinct and savvy."
- [Dolphins] Roster spots at running back: Jay Ajayi, the fifth-round draft pick out of Boise State, is the front-runner to back up Lamar Miller and could eventually challenge Miller for a starting job.
“He’s kind of underrated; had 50 receptions as well,” Tannenbaum said of Ajayi. “Hopefully, he has the ability to be a three-down player.”
But don’t discount Damien Williams; Philbin has praised his work this offseason.
LaMichael James and Mike Gillislee (who missed last season with an injury) also are competing for what could be one more job, if the Dolphins keep four backs.
Sorting out defensive tackle: Earl Mitchell is the likely starter alongside Ndamukong Suh, but there’s competition for the No.3 job among second-rounder Jordan Phillips, Anthony Johnson, A.J. Francis and Kamal Johnson.
“We were very comfortable with Jordan to get him where we did,” Tannenbaum said of the second-round pick who had inconsistent effort and performances at Oklahoma.
Pecking order at receiver: It’s clear who the Dolphins’ top-four receivers will be: DeVante Parker, Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings. What must play out is the order; the player who ends up the fourth receiver figures to play less than he’s accustomed to.
“I like our depth there; you have to pass to score in this league,” Tannenbaum said.
- As we speak, [Pats DE] Geneo Grissom is a man without a position. At 6'3" and 262 pounds, he's another one of those "tweener" types of players who could line up at either the 3-4 outside linebacker spot or at defensive end in the 4-3.
Grissom spent time rushing the passer and dropping into coverage in 2014, and played out of position as a 3-4 defensive end in 2013. He could feasibly fit into the rotation as a backup at either outside linebacker, defensive end or even as a sub-package pass-rusher on the inside of the defensive line.
One drawback of his time at Oklahoma is that in playing so many positions, he never had an opportunity to truly master any one position. For that reason, he's still considered a little raw. That being said, his experience all over the defense will benefit him with the Patriots, where he could feasibly line up at any number of spots, and where he already has a working knowledge of his responsibilities in each role.
- The Jaguars’ six interceptions last year were tied for fewest in the NFL, and the front office acted, adding House from Green Bay to be the No. 1 cornerback and Brown from Indianapolis and Sample in the fourth round to slug it out for the free safety spot. This month, we’ll get an idea of how the Jaguars intend to use everybody. Do the Jaguars keep Aaron Colvin, arguably their best corner at the end of 2014, inside, or do they give him a shot at beating out Demetrius McCray to be a starter on base downs?
- Also, Gabe Ikard is on the [Titans] team and many people saw him as one of the top centers coming out last year. The former Oklahoma Sooner also plays with finesse, and while he hasn’t shown anything similar to what he showed in college yet, a year in an NFL strength and conditioning program could definitely pay off.
- The Broncos are set at inside linebacker with Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan, but neither player is full-go yet this offseason. Marshall in particular probably won't be doing much until training camp, and Trevathan will likely be somewhat limited until then, too. A whole group of players will get extra work with the first team this offseason, but who will stand out? Reggie Walker is a veteran who has been a solid reserve for six NFL seasons, and Steven Johnson is entering his fourth year with the Broncos. The rest of the candidates for snaps are a little more green, as Todd Davis, Corey Nelson and Lamin Barrow all have one year of experience.
- The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line was a mess in 2014, which contributed to the team failing to make the playoffs. For the Chiefs to be a serious playoff contender, the right side of the line must play better in 2015. Donald Stephenson and Jeff Allen are replacing Ryan Harris and Zach Fulton, but they’ll be battling for exact positions.
Each has experience at right tackle. The question is who will win out. If the Chiefs want more athleticism, Stephenson will be the victorious lineman.
Prediction: Stephenson wins the right tackle job.
- [Raiders] Linebacker Ray Ray Armstrong and defensive tackle Stacy McGee are two players that may benefit most from the absence of presumed starters. McGee, drafted in 2013, was able to secure a role late in his first season after injuries got him some playing time, but he saw little action in 2014.
- [Chiefs] Jamell Fleming and Marcus Cooper are likely the biggest barricades to DeVAnte Bausby making the team. Fortunately for the former Pittsburg State Gorilla, the two men ahead of him on the depth chart are still learning the finer points of the position. Both of them are adept at press coverage, but Fleming’s still refining his technique and Cooper was only converted to the position four years ago.
By Shandel Richardson
Sun Sentinel
May 28, 2015, 9:10 AM
Initially, Kenny Stills was surprised..
He was caught off guard when he was traded to the Dolphins from the New Orleans Saints this offseason. His emotions were running high.
And then he arrived in South Florida.
The doubts were immediately erased.
"It's been going great," Stills said after Tuesday's organized team activity workout. "I'm just learning as much as I can every day and trying to make improvement on my season last year. … I think the biggest difference is just being in a new setting and having new teammates. But I love being here."
Stills is one of many new faces in the Dolphins' receiver group. Veteran Greg Jennings, rookie DeVante Parker and tight end Jordan Cameron are also newcomers on the roster, and their versatility has the Dolphins optimistic about their passing game.
"I'm excited about the guys that are here," Dolphins offensive coordinator Bill Lazor said. "I was excited about the acquiring of every single one of them that is here. They walk in the building every day with enthusiasm. They walk on the field with energy."
Stills, who is entering his third season, caught 85 passes for 931 yards and three touchdowns last year in New Orleans. He was signed to replace Mike Wallace, who was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason.
So far, he's made a positive impression.
"A great athlete," quarterback Ryan Tannehill said. "He's extremely fast. He's moving a lot faster than it looks like he's moving. It's been a lot of fun to work with him."
Head coach Joe Philbin said the wideouts are being groomed to play all the receiver positions, so Stills, Jennings, Parker and Jarvis Landry — last year's leading pass-catcher — could line up at different spots in the formation in certain situations.
That variety is reminiscent to the days when Philbin was with the Green Bay Packers, who used the element of surprise to confuse defenses.
"We've got some new guys, so we're getting them adjusted as quickly as we possibly can," Philbin said. "They don't necessarily have preconceived notions of, I'm a this, or I'm a that. What we're really doing is, installing concepts offensively as we are on defense and special teams and we want to expose guys to different things. That's one of the major focuses that we have. ...
"We met at length as an offensive staff last week and we talked and said, 'OK, these guys, let's get some of these guys some reps at this position and not get locked in,' so if one injury occurs we're all not of the sudden reinventing the wheel, so to speak."
Jennings' biggest impact could be leadership, and the Dolphins, who are young at receiver, are hoping to capitalize on his experience. Jennings, 31, is entering his 10th season, having played seven years in Green Bay before spending the last two with the Minnesota Vikings.
Stills, 23, said it has been a "blessing" to be able to learn from a veteran like Jennings.
Jennings — who joined the Dolphins in free agency — could also make Tannehill's job easier.
"He catches the ball," Philbin said. "I know this sounds elementary, but he catches the ball with his hands very well. ... He's a good route runner, crisp. He knows how to come in and out of his breaks well.
"I think he's been a quarterback-friendly type of receiver throughout the course of his career. I think the quarterbacks have faith, and I think it's going to take us time here as we get rolling, but he's a guy that ends up doing the right things versus different coverages. ... He has that good instinct and savvy."
- [Dolphins] Roster spots at running back: Jay Ajayi, the fifth-round draft pick out of Boise State, is the front-runner to back up Lamar Miller and could eventually challenge Miller for a starting job.
“He’s kind of underrated; had 50 receptions as well,” Tannenbaum said of Ajayi. “Hopefully, he has the ability to be a three-down player.”
But don’t discount Damien Williams; Philbin has praised his work this offseason.
LaMichael James and Mike Gillislee (who missed last season with an injury) also are competing for what could be one more job, if the Dolphins keep four backs.
Sorting out defensive tackle: Earl Mitchell is the likely starter alongside Ndamukong Suh, but there’s competition for the No.3 job among second-rounder Jordan Phillips, Anthony Johnson, A.J. Francis and Kamal Johnson.
“We were very comfortable with Jordan to get him where we did,” Tannenbaum said of the second-round pick who had inconsistent effort and performances at Oklahoma.
Pecking order at receiver: It’s clear who the Dolphins’ top-four receivers will be: DeVante Parker, Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings. What must play out is the order; the player who ends up the fourth receiver figures to play less than he’s accustomed to.
“I like our depth there; you have to pass to score in this league,” Tannenbaum said.
- As we speak, [Pats DE] Geneo Grissom is a man without a position. At 6'3" and 262 pounds, he's another one of those "tweener" types of players who could line up at either the 3-4 outside linebacker spot or at defensive end in the 4-3.
Grissom spent time rushing the passer and dropping into coverage in 2014, and played out of position as a 3-4 defensive end in 2013. He could feasibly fit into the rotation as a backup at either outside linebacker, defensive end or even as a sub-package pass-rusher on the inside of the defensive line.
One drawback of his time at Oklahoma is that in playing so many positions, he never had an opportunity to truly master any one position. For that reason, he's still considered a little raw. That being said, his experience all over the defense will benefit him with the Patriots, where he could feasibly line up at any number of spots, and where he already has a working knowledge of his responsibilities in each role.
- The Jaguars’ six interceptions last year were tied for fewest in the NFL, and the front office acted, adding House from Green Bay to be the No. 1 cornerback and Brown from Indianapolis and Sample in the fourth round to slug it out for the free safety spot. This month, we’ll get an idea of how the Jaguars intend to use everybody. Do the Jaguars keep Aaron Colvin, arguably their best corner at the end of 2014, inside, or do they give him a shot at beating out Demetrius McCray to be a starter on base downs?
- Also, Gabe Ikard is on the [Titans] team and many people saw him as one of the top centers coming out last year. The former Oklahoma Sooner also plays with finesse, and while he hasn’t shown anything similar to what he showed in college yet, a year in an NFL strength and conditioning program could definitely pay off.
- The Broncos are set at inside linebacker with Brandon Marshall and Danny Trevathan, but neither player is full-go yet this offseason. Marshall in particular probably won't be doing much until training camp, and Trevathan will likely be somewhat limited until then, too. A whole group of players will get extra work with the first team this offseason, but who will stand out? Reggie Walker is a veteran who has been a solid reserve for six NFL seasons, and Steven Johnson is entering his fourth year with the Broncos. The rest of the candidates for snaps are a little more green, as Todd Davis, Corey Nelson and Lamin Barrow all have one year of experience.
- The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line was a mess in 2014, which contributed to the team failing to make the playoffs. For the Chiefs to be a serious playoff contender, the right side of the line must play better in 2015. Donald Stephenson and Jeff Allen are replacing Ryan Harris and Zach Fulton, but they’ll be battling for exact positions.
Each has experience at right tackle. The question is who will win out. If the Chiefs want more athleticism, Stephenson will be the victorious lineman.
Prediction: Stephenson wins the right tackle job.
- [Raiders] Linebacker Ray Ray Armstrong and defensive tackle Stacy McGee are two players that may benefit most from the absence of presumed starters. McGee, drafted in 2013, was able to secure a role late in his first season after injuries got him some playing time, but he saw little action in 2014.
- [Chiefs] Jamell Fleming and Marcus Cooper are likely the biggest barricades to DeVAnte Bausby making the team. Fortunately for the former Pittsburg State Gorilla, the two men ahead of him on the depth chart are still learning the finer points of the position. Both of them are adept at press coverage, but Fleming’s still refining his technique and Cooper was only converted to the position four years ago.
