Packers believe small receivers don’t have to play small roles in the run game & pass game
For much of the offseason, Miami Dolphins fans have debated one question: Who will win the slot receiver job? Will it be Malik Washington or rookie Kevin Coleman Jr.? The answer may not be one or the other.
It could be both.
As the Dolphins continue reshaping their offense under a renewed commitment to the running game, the Green Bay Packers offer an intriguing blueprint for how Miami’s smaller receivers can become major contributors without simply lining up in traditional slot roles.
Packers Use Small Receivers Very Effectively
Instead of viewing smaller receivers as finesse-only players, Green Bay routinely aligns them in tight formations near the offensive line, asking them to chip defenders, execute critical run blocks, create leverage through motion, and help manufacture explosive plays. Those responsibilities often blur the traditional lines between receiver, slot receiver and even tight end responsibilities.
You can bet with the best pay per head that this philosophy could translate nicely to Miami.
Rather than forcing Malik Washington and Kevin Coleman to compete for the same snaps, the Dolphins could deploy both simultaneously in bunch formations designed to confuse defenses while supporting a more physical rushing attack.
Blocking is the key.
While fans often focus on a receiver’s size, effective blocking is frequently about leverage, timing and angles more than brute strength. Even receivers weighing under 190 pounds can execute meaningful blocks when placed in favorable situations and asked to perform specific assignments.
Green Bay repeatedly demonstrated that approach last season. Wide receivers aligned tight to the formation, served as lead blockers on screens, delayed pass rushers just long enough on play-action concepts, and sealed defensive backs to spring productive runs. Those aren’t glamorous plays, but they’re often the difference between a two-yard gain and an explosive one.
That could be welcome news for Miami’s offense.
Green Bay Uses Small Wrs in a Big Way to Run the Ball
With a stronger emphasis on establishing the run, every player on the field must contribute to creating rushing lanes. If Washington, Coleman and even players like Tutu Atwell embrace those responsibilities, the Dolphins gain tremendous flexibility in how they disguise formations and personnel packages.
Instead of predictable alignments, Miami could mix and match receivers inside and outside while creating uncertainty for opposing defenses. The result isn’t simply more snaps for young receivers—it’s more opportunities to dictate matchups and manufacture explosive plays through scheme rather than relying solely on elite individual talent.
No one is suggesting this guarantees a playoff run.
However, it does suggest the Dolphins may possess more offensive versatility than many realize. If Miami can successfully borrow elements from Green Bay’s receiver usage while pairing them with a more committed rushing attack, the offense could become far less predictable—and considerably more efficient.
For a team looking to establish a new identity built on physical football and complementary offense, that may be one of the most encouraging developments of the offseason.
Go Phins!!!