Chester Rogers Brings Unique Option For Dolphins WR Corps -

The Miami Dolphins have lost two of their wide receivers before the new season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has taken over 2020.

With wideout’s Allen Hurns and Albert Wilson, both who expected to have some role in the offense, are now out leaving some holes that need to get filled quickly with the regular season less than one month away.

So, the Dolphins have taken a step in the right direction by going out and picking up 26-year-old Chester Rogers who previously played for the Indianapolis Colts from 2016-19.

Who is Chester Rogers?

Rogers played his college ball at Grambling State University from 2012-15. He finished his college career with 153 receptions, 2,232 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns, proving he can be a vital receiver to any offense.

Colts Tenure

However, Rogers went undrafted at the 2016 NFL Draft, but was able to find a NFL home when he signed with the Colts on May 2, 2016.

Rogers would go on to have himself a quiet rookie season, finishing with 19 receptions for 273 receiving yards and no receiving TDs.

The best season Rogers has had up to this point in his career was back in 2018 when he finished with career-highs in receptions (53), receiving yards (485) and TDs (2). His play mirrors the numbers of Wilson’s NFL career, so the Dolphins will likely try to use Rogers in the short field and potentially out of the slot.

Rogers finished his time with the Colts with 111 receptions for 1,221 receiving yards and five receiving TDs.

A New Beginning in Miami

Rogers became a free agent following the 2019 season and finally found a new team to call home. The Dolphins signed Rogers on August 9th to a one-year contract, giving him the same tenure as Wilson (who was in the final year of a restructured three-year deal) and the chance to become a starter for the team.

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It’s important to note that Rogers has had multiple injuries (hand, knee) that has landed him on injured reserve, including one that ended his 2019 campaign, but he is currently healthy and ready to work in Miami’s training camp and practices.

Miami truly has just one WR poised to start: DeVante Parker, but does have multiple guys in the wings deserving of a starting spot. Rogers will come in with a disadvantage to the playbook to them, but his youth should keep him in the mix with a lot of the other young, speedy guys.

Rogers in Prime Opportunity, But Drop Rate Concerning

Still young and in his prime at only 26, Rogers has a good chance to show head coach Brian Flores and the coaching staff what he is capable of. Rogers’ biggest concerns will likely be his inconsistency and dropped passes, but time in camp and practice should help get him at least a little bit of chemistry with both quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tua Tagovailoa.

Since entering the league however, his catch percentage sits at a mediocre 64.9-percent with his worst year coming in his rookie year at 55.9-percent. However, his career-high 2018 season saw a catch rate of 73.6-percent, showing that the right fit could be all Rogers needs.

If Rogers can work on his hands and catching the ball over the next month, he could potentially find himself with better playing time and a team for years to come.

– Carl Mahler is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @C3Mahler Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.