Dolphins Receiver Albert Wilson Opts Out!
Albert Wilson opting out is a real blow to the offense
Yesterday, Miami Dolphins receiver Allen Hurns opted out of the 2020 Season yesterday due to COVID-19 concerns… and now Albert Wilson is joining him. I ‘ho-hummed’ the loss of Hurns, but that loss with Albert opting out to my tune has changed. The hitting hasn’t even started, and the Phins are already thin in their depth at receiver.
Albert Wilson was the best slot receiver Miami had–when healthy. He was rounding back into the form at the end of 2019 and restructured his deal in the offseason for a ‘prove it’ year in 2020. Everything was set up for Wilson to have a good season and help Miami break its long run of terrible offensive seasons.
Things change fast in 2020, don’t they?!
The receiver cavalry will arrive in 2021… but what about 2020?
Miami is down to these veteran receivers: oft-injured DeVante Parker, Preston Williams coming off ACL surgery, oft-injured Jakeem Grant coming off a high ankle sprain, little-used Mack Hollins, never-seen-a-game Gary Jennings, and Isaiah Ford who has yet to fully prove himself. Add to these six vets a pair of rookies in UDFA Matt Cole and Kirk Merritt. That’s thin.
I wanted Ford to get his shot. Well, he’s got it now–in spades! I guess, be careful what you wish for. — How PPH Works and Where to Find Bookmakers for Your Sportsbook Business.
Mack Hollins has rushed into the spotlight
Mack Hollins has moved at light speed from an afterthought to front and center now that Hurns and Albert are out of the lineup.
At the combine, the 6’4” 221 lbs Hollins ran a 4.53 forty and had a similar projection rating of Kenny Cook, Eric Decker, and Kenny Britt. This potential earned Hollins a 4th Round selection by the Eagles. But, over his two seasons with Philly and Miami, he hasn’t produced up to his draft status. Hollins has had a paltry career stat line of 26 receptions for 351 yards and 1 touchdown. Not much to get excited over. Miami needs this level of production to be much better in 2020.
Two comforting stats for Phins fans is that his average yards per catch was 13.5 and PFF rated his rookie campaign with an overall grade of 63.5. That does put some positive context (or spin however you like) on Hollins. So, the potential is there. Also, the receiver position is notoriously difficult for rookies to succeed in. This is Year 3 though, so you can bet with the pay per head services that it’s now or never.
Phins receiver group has quickly moved from strength to question mark
Chan Gailey was looking to use spread as a part of their offense this year. But, you have to wonder, if plans may alter should the receiver group go south? On the good side of things, Tua will have a bunch of vet receivers to help him out when he takes over. Players have until Thursday at 4 p.m. ET to opt-out of the 2020 season.
Who is next? Go Phins!!! — Online Sportsbook Software and Sportsbook Payouts Explained.
Let’s hope someone makes the most of their opportunities. I am not gonna harp on losing any player that is not gonna be part of the long term plans. There is more than enough intrigue between Hollins, Jennings, Ford, Merritt (Looks like Anquan Boldin), and reportedly now Malcolm Perry has been asked to learn the position. Saves a few million dollars and I believe serves us better in the long run. Not that his speed wasn’t fun to watch but injuries are piling up and work directly against his skill set (speed and twitch). He cannot withstand much more punishment at the slot position, which is a similar concern with Grant. Hopefully the coaches experiment some with having Grant more out wide and Parker/Williams/Gesiki in the slot, so that we don’t lose Grant the first time he gets crushed by a linebacker or free safety.
I thought Grant would be a lot more durable because he was a small target, fast, and pretty well built. He’s been beaten up really bad and drops too many returns. I expected more. Perry should be interesting as a change of pace being able to throw, run, and receive. It won’t be easy for him to be slash though… I really wished we could see some live action this season as it would be very interesting… ohh well, at least only two players opted out. Nice to see New England have eight opt out 🙂
Say goodbye to Albert Wilson. His injuries and his age work against him. All this does is allow younger players a chance to showcase themselves. Maybe Wilson will decide next year is a better year. His problem is going to be a pay versus productivity call by the team. He could be out of football.
I think he’ll be back. Miami might cut him though as you said, though. There won’t be a problem if Williams and Parker stay healthy. If not it will get sticky.