The Miami Dolphins are diving headfirst into a complete rebuild, and at the helm is Jon-Eric Sullivan. For a franchise that's seen its fair share of changes over the past two decades, one thing remained constant: half-hearted measures.
The Dolphins have shuffled through head coaches, yet high-level executives like former GM Chris Grier and co-directors of player personnel Adam Engroff and Anthony Hunt, who have been around since 2000, 1999, and 1994 respectively, stayed put. Unsurprisingly, the results didn’t shift much.
Now, for the first time in nearly 30 years, Dolphins fans have something to truly get excited about: fresh leadership at the top. Sullivan is already signaling a shift in strategy, especially when it comes to the wide receiver position, a spot where the previous regime had a specific type in mind.
Sullivan was quoted saying Malik Washington is a "good player" and expressed his admiration for Waddle, while also hinting at a desire to add some size to the receiver room. This means changes are on the horizon, but Waddle and Malik will still be key players in the Dolphins' quest for victories.
With that in mind, here are five wide receiver prospects that Dolphins fans should keep an eye on as the draft approaches:
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Standing tall at 6'4" and weighing 198 pounds, Brazzell fits Sullivan’s vision perfectly. His college career, split between Tulane and Tennessee, saw him amass 136 receptions for 2,072 yards and 16 touchdowns. At the NFL Combine, he clocked a swift 4.37s 40-yard dash, tying for the 8th fastest time among receivers.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein praises Brazzell's "pro-ready" footwork and wide catch radius. Interestingly, Zierlein compares him to Christian Watson, a player Sullivan is very familiar with from his time in Green Bay. It’s safe to say Brazzell could be high on Miami's draft list.
De'Zhaun Stribling, Ole Miss
At 6'2" and 207 pounds, Stribling is a bit stockier than Brazzell. Across five collegiate seasons at Washington State, Oklahoma State, and Ole Miss, he caught 216 passes for 2,964 yards and 23 touchdowns. His combine numbers were impressive, with a 4.36s 40-yard dash and a 10'7" broad jump.
Zierlein commends Stribling’s crisp route-running and "smooth late adjustments." His athleticism earned him a 9.9 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), drawing comparisons to Buccaneers standout Chris Godwin.
Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
Bryce Lance, brother of NFL QB Trey Lance, is a physical specimen at 6'3" and 204 pounds. He spent five seasons with the Bison, coming into his own in the last two years with 127 receptions for 2,139 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Lance dazzled at the NFL Combine with a 4.34s 40-yard dash and a 41.5" vertical jump, earning a 9.95 RAS. Zierlein highlights his "blue-chip ball tracking" and "sudden, sticky hands," though notes he needs some polish.
J. Michael Sturdivant, Florida
Sturdivant, at 6'3" and 207 pounds, mirrors Bryce Lance in size. Over five years at Cal, UCLA, and Florida, he recorded 150 receptions for 2,073 yards and 16 touchdowns. His consistent productivity was complemented by a 4.4s 40-yard dash and a 10'11" broad jump at the combine.
Zierlein describes Sturdivant as a "traits-based wideout," suggesting his potential hasn't fully been tapped. The Dolphins might just be the team to unlock it.
Jeff Caldwell, Cincinnati
Jeff Caldwell stands out with his 6'5", 216-pound frame. He’s a player drafted for potential rather than past performance. After starting at Lindenwood, he moved to Cincinnati, where he caught 32 passes for 478 yards and six touchdowns in one season.
Caldwell’s unique athleticism was on full display with a 4.31s 40-yard dash and a 42" vertical jump, earning him a 10.0 RAS. His athletic prowess puts him in elite company, akin to Calvin Johnson and D.K. Metcalf.
The Miami Dolphins are in a prime position to take a chance on developing these promising prospects, and fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future.