Miami Dolphins: The Rumors Must Stop, Roberto Wallace Is No Brandon Marshall

With the loss of Chad Johnson, it is inevitable that the Miami Dolphins are poised to field a young core of wide receivers in the upcoming season.

While it may not be clear if Matt Moore or Ryan Tannehill will start the season under center, one thing is certain: They will have to find a star out of a lineup that includes many late draft picks and players that have failed to put up impressive statistics with any other organization.

Brandon Marshall left a huge hole to fill with his departure to the Chicago Bears. In the past two seasons for the Dolphins, he has led the team in receiving—over the 1,000-yard benchmark in both years.

Last year, he put up six touchdowns on top of that.

With his slender build, quick pace and impressive height, Marshall served as a primary target for quarterbacks Chad Henne and Matt Moore in his two seasons in South Beach. 

As rumors circulate around which Miami receiver can attempt to emulate Marshall’s performance, a lot of the discussion has narrowed in on receiver Roberto Wallace (via PhinPhanatic.com).

In sheer size, his build corresponds directly to Marshall. Both stand at 6’4” and have the speed to burst past the opposing secondary and get open downfield.

However, what these rumors fail to account for is that size does not necessarily make a top tier receiver in the NFL. Although Wallace may have the body for it and may see a drastic rise in playing time next year, he will not be a Brandon Marshall.

Over the past two seasons in limited playing time, Wallace has had six catches in the NFL for 62 yards. Not one of these catches have been for more than a 20-yard gain. He has shown occasional brilliance, but the fact remains the same.

He does not read the game like Marshall did and will not perform at the same level.

It will take a contingency of wide receivers to even come close to Marshall’s production. And personally, I do not know if they will even come close.