Can Ford Really Make Carroo Expendable… Or Is It Just Hype?

Will Ford actually drive Carroo to become a roster cut?

Ford missed the last day of camp with a sleeve on his knee… Problems ahead?

There’s no doubt that Ford is talented and a hard worker…

The Phins have been getting some good work in over the last two weeks during OTA’s. Yeah, I  know it’s only OTAs. But even though the pads aren’t on, it does get the blood pumping a bit to see the boys out there…

…especially since after this minicamp ends, we will be entering the time of year that’s NEARLY D.O.A. for Dolphins news.

One position that’s especially interesting is the wide receiver group’s depth players.

The obvious bets for locks by any pay per head service are DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills, Danny Amendola, and Albert Wilson.

Despite the hubbub that even we at Phinsnews spoke about, Miami has already picked up Parker’s fifth-year option on his contract. Beyond some disaster, love it or hate it, Parker will be here 2 more years. Stills is one of Gases’ favorite players… and is certain to be a big part of the offense. And Amendola and Wilson both received a nice payday as FA’s this offseason–they’d better be in the picture…

…So there are your four “roster locks’.

That leaves 2 spots left under normal circumstances.

But, as we spoke about in an earlier article, the new rules on Special Teams might make Miami keep more receivers than years past. Also, Clyde Christensen stated in 2017, “When it comes to a fourth and fifth wide receiver choice, special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi has a huge input.” 

So when you figure in all the deep plays that Jakeem Grant has made in OTAs and his ability on Special Teams, he’s a ‘near lock’ for the 5th spot.

That leaves one spot left… under normal conditions.

Both Ford and Carroo are inexperienced on Special Teams and have health concerns. So in many ways, they are in a dead heat.

With a wide-lensed comparison, Miami should first be applauded for getting such good value late with Ford’s pick. Though a fair counterpoint is, Tannenbaum spent too much reaching for Carroo… unless he reaches near Pro Bowl form.

For that 6^th wide receiver spot, my money is on second-year player Isaiah Ford. But from a health standpoint, Carroo has only minor knee issues while Ford blew his knee out last season. This could play heavily in the final decision.

On the surface, Ford made catches, this year and last, that caught the coach’s eyes. His size at 6′ 2” is very intriguing for a receiver who plays over the middle. His size between the hashes though will expose his knees… and that could be big trouble.

When Ford was first drafted there was ‘some talk’ that he could eventually replace Landry…

…most of that was wishful thinking among fans though. But, if it wasn’t just talking with the Gase and Co, then he might just have a legit shot. Miami clearly sees a lot of upside in Ford. But even though I believe he can make the roster, his destiny could just as easily be the Practice Squad… because throwing away all those picks spent on Carroo could be too hard a pill to swallow.

Ford must continue to improve to have a shot. If Carroo doesn’t meet Ford’s effort and production then in all likelihood that Leonte Carroo won’t make the team… even at the cost of all those picks. 

In defense of Carroo, he has done some good in his first two seasons in Miami. That little is far more than Ford. So Carroo has all the advantage of history. But given this is a ‘make or break’ for Gase and Co. I expect Gase, Grier, and Tannenbaum to have all eyes on 2018… and far less concern about the future… or the past.

The health of each respective players knee coming into camp will likely end up being the defining factor. If one is slowed early it could end up too much for the other to overcome. How’s you rehab going Mr. Carroo?

If Carroo doesn’t make the team this year, how would he rate on the list of biggest draft busts in Miami history? Top 10? Top 5? But here’s a big concern for Carro and a bit of fresh air for Phins Fans… even if Carro were the #1 worst trade, would it be talked about if Miami made the Playoffs this year? Not a bit. So don’t rest on your price too much, sire. And YUP, I’m talkin’ Playoffs, Jim! Go Phins!!!