Ginn getting up to speed for Dolphins?

With the ninth pick in the 2007 NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins select....(pause).. Ted Ginn Jr. of Ohio State University.

Moving away from New York and over to South Florida, the look of astonishment characterized the faces of puzzled Dolfans. The Cam Cameron era began with a blunder and ended 1-15. In his first and only year as Dolphins head coach, Cam selected the speedy Ohio State receiver rather than the popular and logical selection of Brady Quinn.

Despite the overwhelming needs at other positions, the speedy receiver was selected with the intention of providing the Dolphins with a big play threat. A receiver, who could join the ranks of Chris Chambers and Marty Booker, to provide them with a competitive and productive receiving corps.

Fast forward to 2008 and the only things Dolfans speak of are Ginn's speed and potential. Ted Ginn Jr. does not even rank in the top five in stats for receivers coming out of 2007 draft. Dwayne Bowe, Marques Colston, Calvin Johnson and former Buckeye Anthony Gonzalez all provided sufficient evidence of their ability.

Ginn is in his second year and only has a combined 42 receptions, 440 yards, and 2 touchdowns to show for it.  Meanwhile, rookies such as DeSean Jackson and Eddie Royal, both featuring similar builds, have more than doubled those numbers in their rookie campaigns.

Even though number 19 has been somewhat of a disappointment, not all the blame should be placed on his shoulders. The Dolphins traded away Chris Chambers early in Ginn's rookie season and had no stability at the quarterback position. The lack of a veteran presence in the receiving corps left Ginn alone in his development.

Players such as DeSean Jackson and Anthony Gonzalez are products of potent offenses that have stability at quarterback and options among their receivers. Trent Green, Cleo Lemon, and John Beck were hardly the appropriate signal callers to be used in accordance with Ginn's speed and big-play potential.

Now in 2008 Chad Pennington steps in and provides efficiency and accuracy at quarterback, but has about as much arm strength as John McCain when it comes to stretching the field.

Miami did not come into the 2008 season with a serious approach to upgrading the receiving corps. The highlight signings of Ernest Wilford and undrafted rookie free agent Davone Bess are the major off season acquisitions.

The new regime and head coach Tony Sparano are not going to wait forever for the potential to finally showcase itself. Soon the numbers have to start coming together or come 2009, Ginn will find himself buried on the bench or traded with his replacement selected in the draft.

Overall, Ginn has made some improvements in his route running and catching ability, as evidenced in the exhibition season. However, exhibition is just that and it is what's produced in the regular season that will earn praise and maintain job security.

The offense is starting to come together and Pennington provides a cerebral understanding of the game and passion that can lead to big things for the receiver. Combine this with Dan Henning's creativity in play calling and a strong ground attack and soon Dolfans may see Ginn create some plays through play action or in yards after the catch.

Everyone is aware of the rare speed in the receiver's possession, but it is time the it translates into production. When a undrafted rookie unseats you as the return specialist, it hands you a tough blow.

If Ginn can provide some consistency over the course of the season, he could prove to be the receiving option perfect for pairing with future quarterback, Chad Henne. Both players are familiar with one another playing for historic rivals Michigan and Ohio State. If the receiver starts to put it together, the Dolphins will have two centerpieces of the offense in place, for seasons to come. Just don't look for the two to be too friendly come the rivalry game between their former schools.

All Dolfans can do is sit watch it unfold. Hopefully, Ginn will prove the doubters wrong and prove worthy of the ninth overall pick.