Although it is early into offseason workouts and minicamps, Marcus Vick has impressed the Miami Dolphins coaching and personal staff with his athleticism. Although, his playmaking abilities have not come at the quarterback position, where Vick played while at Virginia Tech.
Dolphins head coach Nick Saban has already taken a liking to Vick’s speed and overall athleticism. It has been Marcus’ pass catching abilities, however, that is keeping him in Miami’s minicamps.
“I’m sure the multiple roles may not totally enhance his development as a receiver,” Saban said, “but he really only spends about two periods every day with the quarterbacks. The rest of the time, he’s with the receivers, and we’re pleased with the progress he’s made.”
Vick is also being looked at as a punt returner, although he hasn’t shown great form while getting under the kicks. Too many times it appears that Vick is catching the ball out in front of his body, as opposed to squaring up underneath the ball to return it.
His size also has come into question, which is why he is spending less time behind center and more time going over the middle. Listed at 6’0”, Vick is getting lost in the shuffle of an NFL pocket, but the team hasn’t completely ruled him out of being a quarterback.
I for one have never been a fan of converting a quarterback to a wide receiver, or any other position for that matter. It just never seems to work, unless it is a rare case like Matt Jones of the Jaguars who found a little bit of success last year as a rookie.
However, with Vick making next to nothing while being tried out in minicamps, this is a risk worth taking. If he doesn’t pan out or gets into trouble again, the Dolphins have no real investment in him.
If he turns into a decent third receiver option or gadget player, then Miami reaps all the benefits of Vick not being drafted in April.
