Miami Dolphins WR Brian Hartline—Not Your Average Rookie

How many of you have ever heard of Brian Hartline? 

Unless you are an Ohio State Buckeye or Miami Dolphin fan, the chances are slim to none. If you are part of the fantasy football nation, you may want to get to know this young man as he is going to turn some heads this season.

Brian Hartline chose to forgo his senior season at Ohio State and enter the NFL draft.  While many NFL Scouts and General Managers felt that Hartline would have been better off sticking around for his final season, he took a risk and entered the draft anyway.  The Dolphins drafted Hartline in the fourth round (108 overall). 

Hartline arrived at minicamp buried on the depth chart behind Ted Ginn Jr., Greg Camarillo, Davone Bess, and fellow rookie Patrick Turner.  At that point, Hartline was going to have a tough time making the regular season roster.  With nothing to lose, Hartline learned as much as he could, played hard and took risks that players would not normally take.  As a result of his hard work, Hartline now finds himself battling Greg Camarillo for the No. 2 spot opposite of Ted Ginn Jr.

Now that three of the four-preseason games are behind Hartline, he is leading the team in all receiving categories.  Of the 107 yards that he has gained so far this preseason, 54 yards came on a single pass play. The Dolphins were lacking a receiver with big play ability and Head Coach Tony Sparano thinks that they have found that player in Hartline.  

Let us look at the fantasy impact that Hartline will have during the 2009 season.  If Hartline wins the spot opposite of Ted Ginn Jr., I fully expect him have similar stats as Greg Camarillo last season (650/7). 

While he should not be a weekly starter for your fantasy team this season, he will be a decent bye week filler and based on the matchup, he could be a plug and play option for your fantasy team.