The Miami Dolphins’ most successful kick returner in recent memory is back once again in 2020 — that would be wide receiver Jakeem Grant. Grant has logged a grand total of four return touchdowns over the last four seasons; his open field speed and agility are a lethal threat when you give him too much room to work. But the Dolphins do have a conflict on their hands, as the opt-outs of WRs Allen Hurns and Albert Wilson will undoubtedly push Grant up the wide receiver depth chart — so much so that he is presumed to be the team’s No. 3 option in an offense that is projected to run a ton of “11 personnel”, which will put Grant frequently on the field.
And, when you pair that added demand to a resume that has seen Grant miss 12 games over the last two seasons and end both of the last two years on injured reserve, the Dolphins may want to consider being selective with how they choose to utilize Grant — even if it means they don’t feature him as the kick returner.
Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman met with the South Florida media this morning and was asked about the dynamics of the team’s return game and, more specifically, who might challenge Grant for return duties.
“We’ve got a couple of guys that have both done it in the professional ranks, we have guys that have done it in the college ranks and then we’ve got some guys that we’re trying to train – it’s amazing how many guys want to show you their high school highlight tape and show you how good they were. They all think they can do it! But we’ve got a good group working,” said Crossman.
“Like always, it will play its way out and then how those roles develop (will be) based on what else is happening offensively and defensively.”
Ah-ha! There’s a big clue — the Dolphins’ return duties will be based on what else is happening on offense and defense. If Grant does indeed take on a larger offensive role, it is likely to impact how much he will be utilized in the return game. So who else is a candidate? The Dolphins have two prominent additions worth eyeing — WR Chester Rogers and CB Noah Igbinoghene. Crossman acknowledged both as having received consideration.
“As far as Chester goes, yeah he has a good history. Again, he’s one of those guys where we’re excited to have a guy that’s got a good history and has some success in this league,” he said.
“(Igbinoghene) is another guy that we’re looking at. Again, anybody that’s had any history, they’re out there before practice, they’re out there during practice. We’ll put eyes on all of them.”
WR Preston Williams got some brief experimental time at returner last season, too — but his role on the offense figures to be significant, even more so than Grant. If Grant becomes WR3, Rogers may become the de facto favorite, given that he’ll be a depth piece on offense whereas Igbinoghene projects as having a prominent role on defense as the nickel back.