The big catch...

From Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald..

"You guys know I'm kinda sorta obssessed with the Dolphins landing some top-caliber wide receivers, right? You know that I am convinced a team cannot win an NFL championship with second-tier wide receivers and the only reason I believe that is because it's true."

I haven't always agreed with Salguero's judgment but here, he hit the nail right on the head. After two years under the Bill Parcells' umbrella, nothing has convinced me that these guys know what they're doing when it comes to the WR position. The Tuna has always had some kind of issue with receivers - dating back to when Bob Kraft and Pats' management took Terry Glenn over a defensive player Parcells wanted - and it's starting to really hurt his ability to build a champion.

Let's look at the WR's Parcells/Sparano/Ireland have brought to Miami, shall we?

Davone Bess - a 2008 undrafted free agent who made the team and has exceeded everyone's expectations over the past two seasons. He is a nice slot guy with pretty good hands, quickness and runs nice routes. Ideally, he's a 4th WR - not even a third, and definitely not a starter, considering he's 5-foot-9 with little ability to get vertical or make plays in the red zone.

Patrick Turner - last year's 3rd round pick barely saw the field and didn't make a single catch all of last season. He looked really good early in training camp and then fell apart, barely making the roster and failing to contribute to a team that was desperate (and still is) for receivers.

Brian Hartline - last year's 4th round pick showed good ability and should be a very good 2nd/3rd WR. He has okay size, good hands, runs good routes and has some big play flair.

This team is lacking a true #1 receiver - a go-to-guy for quarterback Chad Henne; someone who draws consistent double teams and make plays all over the field. It doesn't have to be Randy Moss Larry Fitzgerald or Reggie Wayne - there are other guys out there. In fact, Miami missed on one yesterday because Parcells and co. are unwilling to risk mid-round draft choices and pay substantial money to a receiver, even in an UNCAPPED year. I'm talking about Anquin Boldin, a big, physical, unique talent who Baltimore acquired yesterday, along with a 5th round pick, for a 3rd and a 4th round choice. Remember, last year's 3rd and 4th were both used on WR's, so it's like picking up Boldin and a 5th for Turner and Hartline. Hmm. Yes, Boldin comes with question marks including age (will be 30 October) and injuries (missed 11 regular season starts and several playoff appearances the last three seasons) and there's a reason this guy isn't going for two 1st round picks. The potential, however, far outweighs the risk considering the compensation.

They weren't major players for Boldin, they passed on Hakeem Nicks last year, they continue to refuse to do what's necessary to get the big-time receiver we desperately need. At this point, give me Antonio Bryant (83-1248-7 two years ago, 28 years old, unrestricted free agent) and a 2nd round pick to move in the right direction.