Miami Dolphins: Can Legedu Naanee Be the Offensive Punch the Fins Need?

Legedu Naanee has had a relatively quiet start to his NFL career.

A versatile option out of high school, Naanee turned down offers to play at a Pac-10 or Big 12 school for a shot at becoming a college quarterback at Boise State. When losing the starting job in training camp, Naanee transitioned to wide receiver where he excelled at in college.

A fifth-round pick by the San Diego Chargers in the 2007 NFL draft, Naanee quickly adapted to professional football. Although his first two seasons as a Charger were relatively unproductive as a backup receiver, he earned his first start in 2009. His versatility came out that season in a December matchup against the Browns, when his previous quarterback tendencies came out in a flea flicker pass to LaDainian Tomlinson.

In 2010, during Vincent Jackson’s holdout, Naanee notched nine starts on the year, putting up his best numbers with a 271-yard season, a performance that earned him a contract with the Carolina Panthers. Last season, he connected with Cam Newton for 467 yards and a touchdown.

This year, Naanee signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, who currently are very weak at receiver with the departure of Brandon Marshall to the Chicago Bears.

Initially signed as more of an additional receiving option and for his special teams contribution, Naanee has surprised the Dolphins in training camp so much so that he current sits atop the depth chart.

Over the past few seasons, Miami has had very few players that are capable of the big play. Running back Reggie Bush burst free for a few large runs last season, and Marshall occasionally broke free of tight coverage for long balls.

But while Miami attempts to figure out its quarterback situation, a lot of doubts have surfaced about which player on this young offense can create the big plays that can help the Dolphins win key games.

At this point, Legedu Naanee might just be the guy.