Sizing Up a Tall Wide Receiver Option for the Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are an NFL team that has been building a formidable roster in recent years. With a strong offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a solid supporting cast, the Dolphins are looking to take the next step toward becoming a championship contender. One area that the Dolphins have been focusing on is their wide receiver corps. While they have several talented players, such as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, there is one glaring need: a tall, physical receiver who can provide a red-zone threat and offer more diversity to their passing game.
The Dolphins’ current offense has great speed and precision with Hill and Waddle, but their offense could be further complemented by the addition of a taller wide receiver who could dominate in contested catches and help out in high-pressure situations like third downs and red-zone opportunities. A tall receiver could provide the Dolphins with more balance, enabling them to win matchups against taller defensive backs and give Tua a reliable target in critical moments.
This article will look at the importance of adding a tall wide receiver to the Dolphins’ roster and explore a few potential candidates that could be ideal fits for the team moving forward.
The Need for a Tall Wide Receiver in Miami
The Dolphins’ receiving corps is certainly among the most exciting in the league. Tyreek Hill brings elite speed and playmaking ability, while Jaylen Waddle provides a great second option, also excelling in speed and route running. However, one limitation that the Dolphins’ offense has faced in recent seasons is their lack of a tall, physical receiver who can excel in contested catch situations and win jump balls in the end zone.
In the modern NFL, having a wide receiver who can excel in the red zone is incredibly important. Shorter, speed-oriented receivers are excellent in the open field and can stretch the defense, but when it comes to short-yardage situations or when the field tightens in the red zone, a tall, physical receiver can make the difference. Tall receivers are valuable assets in those situations because they can go up and get the ball, even when the defense is playing tight coverage.
Additionally, having a bigger receiver provides the quarterback with more margin for error when it comes to placing throws. A taller receiver with a large catch radius can make it easier for a quarterback to connect on throws that might be off-target, as long as the receiver is able to leap and extend his arms to corral the football. Given Tua’s strengths and weaknesses as a passer, this type of target would further improve the timing and success of the passing game.
Potential Tall Wide Receiver Options for the Dolphins
As the Dolphins look to add a tall, physically imposing wide receiver to their roster, several potential candidates stand out as ideal fits for the team’s needs. Whether through the draft or free agency, the Dolphins have options to bolster their wide receiver depth. Here are some of the most intriguing candidates who could be game-changers for the team:
1. Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Mike Evans is one of the most established tall wide receivers in the NFL. Standing at 6’5”, Evans has been a consistent force in the red zone throughout his career, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and becoming a staple of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense since entering the league in 2014. Known for his ability to make contested catches and win jump balls, Evans would be a perfect addition to the Dolphins’ offense.
Evans has a reputation for being a reliable deep threat as well as an exceptional red-zone weapon, which would give Tua another target to lean on when the field shrinks in critical situations. With his big frame, Evans can help provide the Dolphins with a true vertical threat, stretching the defense and giving Tua a security blanket in tight areas.
While the Buccaneers have not made any concrete decisions about moving Evans, his potential availability via trade or free agency would be something the Dolphins should seriously consider. Adding a proven veteran like Evans would immediately upgrade their receiving corps and provide the team with a proven playmaker to complement Hill and Waddle.
2. DeVante Parker (New England Patriots)
DeVante Parker, the former Miami Dolphin, has been with the New England Patriots since 2022. Standing at 6’3″, Parker is a big-bodied receiver who has shown flashes of greatness during his career, especially when he’s fully healthy. Parker is known for his ability to win jump balls and make spectacular catches in high-pressure situations, and he could provide the Dolphins with that missing red-zone threat they have been seeking.
Parker had a bit of an up-and-down tenure in Miami but has had the occasional breakout season, including a 1,200-yard campaign in 2019. While injuries have limited his consistency, the Dolphins know exactly what they would be getting in Parker—a receiver who can help move the chains and provide a physical presence in the air.
Considering that the Dolphins are familiar with Parker’s skill set, bringing him back for a reunion could be a low-risk, high-reward move. If he can stay healthy, Parker could contribute immediately and provide that big-body target in the red zone for Tua Tagovailoa.
3. N’Keal Harry (Free Agent)
N’Keal Harry, a former first-round pick of the New England Patriots, has shown flashes of potential but has not yet lived up to expectations. Standing at 6’4”, Harry possesses a physical frame and the ability to be a force in contested situations. Despite an underwhelming career with the Patriots, Harry’s raw talent and physicality could make him an intriguing low-cost, high-upside option for the Dolphins.
Harry’s time with the Patriots was filled with inconsistencies, but he had some moments where he demonstrated his potential as a red-zone target. He would offer the Dolphins a low-risk acquisition, one that could develop into a reliable contributor over time, especially if they’re able to work with him to unlock his physical potential. Given Miami’s offensive weapons already in place, Harry might flourish in a supporting role where he can focus on specific areas of improvement.
4. Trey Palmer (University of Nebraska) – 2025 NFL Draft
For the Dolphins, the draft is always a potential avenue to find the next big thing at wide receiver. While they have built a strong offense, adding another young talent could help to future-proof their roster. Trey Palmer, a 6’1″ wide receiver from Nebraska, is a fast-rising prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Palmer has the ability to stretch the field with his speed and vertical leap, which could make him an intriguing fit for the Dolphins. His size and athleticism make him a potential option as a red-zone weapon, capable of winning physical battles and contested catches in the air. While Palmer is not the tallest receiver at 6’1″, his leaping ability and strong hands make him a compelling option for teams looking to add a versatile threat in the passing game.
Palmer would need to develop his skills and adjust to the NFL, but his upside is substantial. If the Dolphins are looking to add a tall, explosive playmaker on a rookie deal, Palmer might be worth considering, especially if he’s available later in the draft.