The Miami Dolphins have officially kicked off their training camp, marking the beginning of their journey toward the 2024 NFL regular season. The rookie players are currently in South Florida, having reported to the team on Tuesday, while the veteran players have an additional week before they are required to arrive at the team facilities on July 23. The first public practice session is scheduled for July 28, providing fans a chance to see the team in action as they prepare for the upcoming season.

As the team embarks on this exciting new season, our ongoing series examines each position group, focusing on the evolving status of the Dolphins’ lineup. Last week, we discussed the quarterbacks, moved on to the running backs, and then analyzed the tight ends. Now, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the wide receivers, a critical aspect of the team’s offensive strategy.

Key Wide Receivers in the Miami Dolphins’ 2024 Training Camp Lineup

Odell Beckham, Jr. (10th year)
Braxton Berrios (7th year)
Je’Quan Burton (Rookie – UDFA)
River Cracraft (sixth year)
Erik Ezukanma (second year)
Tyreek Hill (9th year)
Braylon Sanders (1st year)
Anthony Schwartz (3rd year)
Jaylen Waddle (fourth year)
Malik Washington (Rookie – sixth round)
Tahj Washington (Rookie – 7th round) – Physically Unable to Perform list

The wide receiver corps of the Dolphins is prominently led by Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who are regarded as one of the top receiving duos in the entire league. The addition of Odell Beckham as a free agent signing this year adds even more depth to the lineup, as the team anticipates that he will take on the role of the third receiving option in their offensive scheme. Behind these three stars, the remaining players in this position group are fiercely competing for limited roster spots as they strive to prove their worth.

<Braxton Berrios appears to have a strong chance of securing the fourth receiver position, particularly as the team is keen to utilize his skills as a return specialist on special teams. River Cracraft is a favorite among the coaching staff, which could lead to him earning a straightforward path to securing a roster spot. The dynamics within the group are intense as every player is aware that their performance during training camp will determine their future with the team.

The two Washingtons, both of whom were drafted, typically enjoy a higher likelihood of making the roster. However, Tahj Washington starting on the Physically Unable to Perform list is not an ideal beginning to his rookie campaign. Fortunately, the team has the flexibility to activate him off the PUP list at any time during the summer without jeopardizing his eligibility for the upcoming season, allowing him the chance to showcase his abilities when he is ready.

With Hill, Waddle, Beckham, Berrios, Cracraft, and the two Washingtons already filling seven roster spots, the competition looks fierce. The possibility of a surprise cut from this group is something to consider. Will the Dolphins explore moving one of the rookies to the practice squad to maintain depth in other areas?

The potential for someone from the remaining players to influence roster decisions is also a factor. Ezukanma, Sanders, and Schwartz all possess the potential to impress the coaching staff this summer; however, they are likely to face a challenging road ahead to secure their spots on the final roster.

Je’Quan Burton is likely to be viewed primarily as a camp body, though he could still be a candidate for the practice squad, contributing to the team’s development even if he doesn’t make the main roster.

2023 Performance Statistics of Key Receivers

Hill – 16 starts, 119 receptions, 1,799 yards (led the league), 15.1 yards per reception average, 13 touchdowns (led the league), 6 rushes, 15 yards, Pro Bowl selection, First-Team All-Pro recognition

Waddle – 14 starts, 72 receptions, 1,014 yards, 14.1 yards per reception average, 4 touchdowns, 3 rushes, 12 yards

Beckham (with Baltimore Ravens) – 14 games (6 starts), 35 receptions, 565 yards, 16.1 yards per reception average, 3 touchdowns

Berrios – 16 games (1 start), 27 receptions, 238 yards, 8.8 yards per reception average, 1 touchdown, 1 rush, 11 yards, 23 punt returns, 10.2 yards per return average, 18 kick returns, 24.5 yards per return average

Cracraft – 10 games (1 start), 9 receptions, 121 yards, 13.4 yards per reception average, 1 touchdown

M. Washington (at Virginia) – 12 games, 110 receptions, 1,426 yards, 13.0 yards per return average, 9 touchdowns, 3 rushes, 7 yards, 14 kick returns, 19.5 yards per return average

T. Washington (at USC) – 13 games, 59 receptions, 1,062 yards, 8 touchdowns, 1 rush, 10 yards

Ezukanma – 2 games, 5 rushing attempts, 22 yards

Sanders – 3 games, 2 receptions, 17 yards, 8.5 yards per reception average

Schwartz – Dolphins practice squad without any appearances

Burton (at Florida Atlantic) – 11 games, 24 receptions, 277 yards, 11.5 yards per reception average, 2 touchdowns, 1 rush, 15 yards

Roster Bubble Analysis for Wide Receivers

Ezukanma, Sanders, Schwartz – The wide receiver position may not have a significant bubble at this time, given that the Dolphins already have 7 players who logically fit into the roster. Nevertheless, Ezukanma, Sanders, and Schwartz still have the opportunity to make their case for a spot on the final roster, but they will need to demonstrate their skills consistently throughout training camp.