The Miami Dolphins have over 10 wide receivers vying for a spot on the final 53 man roster.  Davone Bess and Brian Hartline (who hasn’t practiced at all since camp opened) are the only veterans that seem to be locks for the Dolphins final roster.  Since Chad Johnson was cut, it seems as though the rest of the Dolphins receiving competition is between young players.

Reports from camp vary.  Some beat writers think that Legedu Naanee is have a great camp, but he’s been relatively invisible in games.  He hasn’t caught a ball in a preseason game yet.  Maybe Naanee has been so impressive in practice that the Dolphins coaching staff doesn’t need to see him as much in games.  Clyde Gates, last year’s 4th round pick has been slowed by an injury and has been relatively unimpressive.  He has only caught 1 ball for 9 yards.  Roberto Wallace and Marlon Moore have each shined at times, but are relatively inconsistent.  Jeff Fuller, BJ Cunningham, and Rishard Matthews are all rookies and have had moments, but it’s likely only 1 could make the final 53.  1 or 2 of them could be stashed on the practice squad.  Julius Pruitt has been impressive and since he’s an excellent special teams player, it’s likely he’ll make the team.

If I had to pick the 5-6 receivers that would make the final roster they would be: Davone Bess, Brian Hartline (depending on his health), Legedu Naanee, Julius Pruitt, Roberto Wallace, and Chris Hogan.  CHRIS HOGAN?  I’ll admit, prior to the start of training camp, I had no idea who Chris Hogan was.  Now, Chris Hogan has a legitimate chance of making the Dolphins roster.

Chris Hogan, or as he’s known around Dolphins camp, 7-11, played lacrosse at Penn State before transferring to Monmouth (NJ).  Even at Monmouth, he played defensive back.  He is the ultimate long shot.  He signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted rookie earlier this year.  Hogan was originally called ’7-11′ by Reggie Bush because ‘he’s always open, 24-7′.  For those of you who haven’t seen Hard Knocks, below is an excerpt from the show that specifically features Hogan:

Thus far in the preseason, Hogan has caught 4 balls for 34 yards.  He’s played primarily with the 2nd/3rd team units.  I’d like to see him get some playing time with the 1st team against the Falcons on Friday.  I want to see if he can ‘always get open’ against the Falcons first team defense.  If he plays and continues his solid play, I think he can be the Dolphins 6th receiver.  Hogan has 2 weeks left to show the Dolphins that he belongs.

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