The wide receiver group for the Miami Dolphins was already rather strong, but it was further enhanced with the addition of Willie Snead.
What does his addition entail for the other guys who are catching balls from Tua Tagovailoa is the question at hand.
Since Snead spent the previous two seasons playing for Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, Mike McDaniel’s scheme isn’t totally original. It might provide him an advantage in this competition, which there is no doubt will be one. While Snead isn’t in Miami merely as a camp body, he also doesn’t have a lock on a spot on the roster.
Roster Moves | We have signed WR Willie Snead IV and waived DT Mario Kendricks. pic.twitter.com/QVYgyR0kqZ
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 31, 2024
Snead’s arrival shouldn’t put Cracraft’s job with the Dolphins in risk, but it will be more difficult to earn the reps to convince the coaches he can handle the job. Cracraft still intends to create a stir.
Erik Ezukanma might be the one to see the door if Snead is going to make the squad. Since being drafted, Ezukanma hasn’t been consistently healthy and hasn’t developed in the NFL. Positive or negative, there hasn’t been a lot of talk about him thus far.
Malik However, if Washington fails to make an impression on the coaches, he can possibly find himself considering a practice squad position. He hasn’t accomplished anything to warrant being considered a lock to make the squad thus far. If given the chance, Washington will need to show off his skills on special teams, and the addition of Snead may limit his opportunities as wide receiver by reducing his reps.
Snead might affect special teams as well. He could push Braxton Berrios as a returner. Berrios appears to be a cinch for a spot on the team, but if the Dolphins use Snead in place of Anthony Schwartz, the latter’s chances of making the squad as a returner may also be diminished.
Ultimately, OBJ’s health may determine if Snead makes the roster. Snead’s chances of making the squad may be diminished if OBJ returns, but the Dolphins don’t have many players who can fill that role behind him.
The external issue is Miami’s greater problem. Miami lacks the speed and consistency on the roster to replace Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle, should they miss time, with the same level of success anticipated.