Although Brandon Marshall has one starting receiver spot locked up, Brian Hartline, Davone Bess, Greg Camarillo and perhaps others will get a chance at the other spot.
Hartline just seems like the best combination of size and speed to win that job. Now all he has to do is prove it.
"I like my chances,'' Hartline said. "The opportunity is definitely there, and that's all you can ask for in the first place. If you have the opportunity and you take care of your job and be consistent every day, that's what it's all about. A lot of guys can do it, but I think it's about doing it every day. That's the mind-set I'm trying to have.''
Hartline said he spent this offseason trying to add some bulk to his body. He was listed at 195 pounds last year but that seemed more like an early season number that turned into a late-season wish.
"I wanted to add a dimension to my game where I'm not just a little quick guy,'' Hartline said. "There's a physical side of the game to the NFL, and that was kind of my focus and where I wanted to go with things this offseason. I think I've done a pretty decent job with that.
"I'm coming around 195 to 196 pounds. I was pushing that early last season, but it didn't feel as good. I'm carrying the weight well now. My strength is there. I definitely made a step, but there is no reason I can't make more of a step during preseason activities.''
It is no secret Hartline faces a legal question regarding a July 3 auto accident in which a truck registered to him hit a parked car along Interstate 595. The truck was found abandoned.
Hartline has been advised by his attorney not to discuss the matter.
But that legal speed bump doesn't seem likely to derail the player's attempt to win a starting job.
Hartline has talent, but Marshall is expected to be the only Miami receiver with any significant fantasy value. We have Hartline at 70 in our rankings, three spots behind Davone Bess, who has proven to be an effective slot receiver in the past for the Dolphins. Bess will likely see plenty of playing time even if he isn't a starter, helping to negate Hartline's potential value.
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