Summer Sleeper: Miami Dolphins

With training camps opening all around the NFL, we continue our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Lamar Miller, Chris Ivory or Danny Amendola. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!

The Dolphins as a whole have been fantasy purgatory as a whole for some time now.  They haven’t had any players you could count on weekly as anything more than a risky options over the last few seasons.  Sure, Reggie Bush had a hot streak and Brian Hartline was a revelation for owners at times last season, but they haven’t had anyone you could count on as a key cog in your championship winning wheel.

Things are looking up this season with a young and promising quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, an emerging NFL running back in Lamar Miller and a proven number one receiver in Mike Wallace.  However, just because they have some options who are safe on the surface doesn’t mean there isn’t still some sneaky, low cost, high upside players on the roster. There are two that come to mind for me – Dustin Keller and Mike Gillislee.

Dustin Keller, TE MIA

Keller was a huge disappointment last season.  Playing in only eight games, he managed a measly 28 catches for 317 yards.  Many were hoping for a big year with a lack of other targets on the roster, but in true Jets fashion, it was just a wasted season.  There are reasons for optimism for Keller and they aren’t that hard to find.

First, back up just one more year to 2011 and you’ll see he has some promise.  He put up solid numbers with 65 catches for 815 yards and five touchdowns – again, those are solid numbers on the surface, but throw in Mark Sanchez as the quarterback and those numbers are bordering on remarkable.  Despite his lack of size, he is more than capable of stretching the seam and performs adequately as a pass blocker.

With mostly question marks rounding out the tight end depth chart in Miami, Keller can be expected to see significant snaps in 2013.  Considering the performance the much less dynamic Anthony Fasano had last season (332 yards and five touchdowns), there’s reason for optimism.  Keep in mind that Dolphins quarterbacks only tallied 13 touchdowns last season and those five touchdowns are telling.  If Tannehill felt comfortable targeting Fasano in the end zone, one can safely conclude he’ll only feel more secure with Keller.

I’m not suggesting everyone go out and sell the farm to acquire him.  He’s 28 years old and you most likely don’t own a farm to sell anyway.  However, entering a season with many fantasy players reeling from the loss of Aaron Hernandez or standing on shaky ground with Rob Gronkowski, the search for a suitable replacement could be difficult.  Keller is far from a lock for TE1 numbers, but for those looking for a stop-gap, he’s an intriguing option.

Mike Gillislee, RB MIA

“But Mark, what about Lamar Miller?”

Yes, I’m well aware of the hype surrounding Miller, but let’s acknowledge one important fact.  Miller has never been asked to shoulder the load.  He averaged a solid 4.9 yards per carry as a rookie, but only saw a miniscule 51 attempts.  He slipped in the draft due to concerns over his blocking and shoulder, but the speed is definitely there.  Now, the Dolphins are going to ask him to shoulder the load in a revamped offense?  Let’s not mistake Miller for a sure thing.

For the record, I am a Miller believer.  He has tremendous speed and vision.  He also spent this summer working out with Frank Gore, which bodes well for his prospects and speaks well of his work ethic.  But what if he doesn’t pan out?  What if his shoulder breaks down?

Enter Mike Gillislee.

Currently slotted as the number three back behind Miller and Daniel Thomas, Gillislee is a slight back at only 5’11 and 208 pounds.  Despite his size, he put up great numbers against tough defenses in his senior season at Florida.  Against LSU and Florida State, he combined for 58 carries, 286 yards and four touchdowns.   While racking up 244 carries last year, he displayed great toughness and pass blocking ability despite his lack of stature.

Any rookie running back with adequate rushing skills and above average pass blocking ability could have a role early on. With only Daniel Thomas to pass on the depth chart in the next month or so, Gillislee could be just an injury away from a large role.  History says he has a reasonable chance at making an impact.

There’s a chance we never hear much from Gillislee at the NFL level.  However, Dolphins beat writers have reported hearing his name mentioned in a positive way frequently this summer.  He doesn’t come without risk, but if you’re looking for a young guy with some upside he’s a reasonable candidate to acquire on the cheap.