Can Patrick Turner Change His Ways Before The Miami Dolphins Cut Him Loose?

Patrick Turner was the number one ranked wide receiver recruit in the nation coming out of Goodpasture High School in Tennessee.

Perhaps fittingly, Turner wore the number one on his jersey during his days at Southern Cal.

But today, the only connection Turner holds to the number one is that it might be the total number of seasons he will remain with the Miami Dolphins for.

In the 2009 NFL Draft, the Dolphins shocked the league by drafting Turner in the 3rd round.  Many had spotted Turner as a fifth round pick due to his lack of production at USC, and the bust label that had consequently been pinned on him.  However, Bill Parcells & Co. appeared to believe that Turner was bound to blossom in the NFL, especially due to their insistence on having him.

And, it's hard to blame the Trifecta's decision to reach for the former Trojan.

After all, Turner did present the possibility of growing into the dominant receiver Miami so desperately needed with his 6-foot-5, 220 pound build, and he did catch 10 touchdown passes during his senior season.

However, once Turner entered Dolphins camp, he soon found himself at the bottom of the depth chart.  And at season's end, Turner had dressed for just two games, registering no catches.

But coach Tony Sparano soon reiterated his hopes for the young receiver, "I should have got him in the game.  I should have got him some exposure, so I did not do a good job there," he said.  Sparano later said that developing Turner was a main goal for the organization in 2010.

Although Sparano appears to support Turner's development, on the surface at least, some of his teammates appear to believe that Turner simply does not have the drive that keeping a job in the NFL requires.

An anonymous player told the Miami Herald that Turner "hasn't shown the urgency or work ethic of the other receivers."  Reports have also surfaced claiming that Turner underwent back surgery this offseason, which could explain his troubles this summer. Still, after one very unproductive season behind him, Turner cannot afford to lose the respect of his teammates.

The addition of stud receiver Brandon Marshall might also signal the Dolphins' concern that Turner is a bust.

Marshall does fill the role that Miami hoped Turner one day would, and his presence leaves one less roster spot the Dolphins would be willing to use on a wide receiver. 

However, Marshall's arrival could also potentially serve as a saving grace for Turner.

Marshall is a true veteran when compared to the Dolphins youthful receiving corps, and while he will serve as the team's primary receiving threat, he could also serve as the mentor this group never had.  And considering Marshall and Turner compare closely in size — Turner: 6-5, 220; Marshall: 6-4, 230 — the Dolphins new receiver might be able to teach Turner how to use his sheer size to become a productive NFL player.

Maybe it's a long shot, and there is no evidence Marshall wishes to mentor anybody, but he does possess something valuable that could be passed on to Turner.

All this being said, everybody must remember that Patrick Turner has been in the NFL for just one year.  Most receivers need multiple years in the league before they can begin making significant impacts for their respective teams.  

For evidence, just a take a look at 2009 breakout Sidney Rice.

The Minnesota Vikings spent an early second round pick on the South Carolina standout, but he compiled just 46 receptions during his first two years in the league. Last season, though, Rice exploded for 83 receptions and 8 touchdowns with Brett Favre at the helm.

Sometimes, the circumstances just have to be right for a player to come into his own.

Turner proved that he can respond to criticism when he broke out during his senior season at USC after three scrutiny-filled, lackluster years.  And, Brandon Marshall could be a catalyst for his growth. 

But if Turner wants to become an impact player for the Dolphins, he will have to exponentially increase his production, and more importantly, he will have to earn the respect of his teammates back.