Arizona State alum here. Keep an eye on Hagan. He didn't have an impressive combine or Senior Bowl, but the guy caught virtually everything thrown to him in college. Him and Walter were quite the dynamic duo. He won't out run anybody, but he runs good routes and knows how to use his size to his advantage.
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Dolphins: Hagan gets a chance
BY JEFF DARLINGTON
jdarlington@MiamiHerald.com
As the rookie fielded the question about how he would define himself as a wide receiver, Derek Hagan did not yet have an answer. Too early in his career, he said.
''I guess you'll just have to wait and see what I do on Saturdays,'' Hagan said.
Actually, Derek, you play on Sundays now. This is the NFL, you know.
''Oh yeah,'' Hagan chuckled. ``That's what I meant. Sundays . . . you'll have to wait and see what I do on Sundays.''
Honest mistake, really. After all, no one can blame Hagan for the slip-up. With three solid wide receivers playing ahead of him -- albeit in an offense struggling to open up the passing game -- Hagan has not had his opportunity to show his potential as a pro.
He is likely to get that chance Sunday against the Jets.
''I definitely need to be ready for it,'' Hagan said. ``I'm always out there practicing with the first and second team. But now, I'll be getting more reps with the [first team] since [receiver Marty] Booker is down.''
As a result of a shoulder injury sustained in Sunday's loss to the Patriots, Booker is not expected to play against the New York Jets. And he also is expected to miss at least one more week -- if not several more -- beyond that.
That means Hagan, who showed promise during an impressive training camp, will have the chance to prove he is capable of making more than the two receptions he has in five games. He is likely to be slotted as the team's third receiver, behind Wes Welker and Chris Chambers.
''We were pleased with what he was able to do in the [Patriots] game,'' coach Nick Saban said. ``It's all not just about the production, but he played fast. He got open. He made himself available at times. He blocked. He competed well.
``We saw real positive signs from how he responded to the opportunity he had in the game when Marty went down.''
But Hagan isn't the only player who will get more opportunities in Booker's absence. So will Wes Welker -- even if he doesn't need them. Welker already leads the team in receptions, catching six more passes for 89 more yards than Chambers.
However, if the Dolphins stick to the same plan they employed when Booker went down Sunday, he would get even more. But can he handle it, especially since he also is responsible for punt returns and kick returns?
''I don't see any problems with that,'' said Welker, who has 27 catches for 299 yards. ``I felt like I took a good amount of hits, and my body really feels good. I just need to take care of myself, make sure it's ready for Sunday. I'm ready for as much as possible.''
Unless the Dolphins decide to sign another wide receiver, which is a strong possibility considering they have the roster space after waiving running back Lee Suggs on Tuesday, Booker's absence probably would cause opportunities for one more player.
Cliff Russell, who emerged out of a deep group of receivers during training camp to make the 53-man roster, has not yet been active for any games. He is hoping this week could be his chance to make it on the field, as well.
''I'm not treating this week like a tryout,'' Russell said. ``I'm not going to make it harder than it is, or stress myself out. But it's going to be in my head. Every rep I take has to be the best one I've ever ran.''
So as the Dolphins begin to plan for life without Booker, the receivers waiting in the wings understand this is the reason they have jobs in the NFL. As Hagan said Monday, he is just glad he learned from Booker while he was healthy.
Now, the rookie can begin to define himself in his own way. Just as long as someone remembers to tell him the game is on Sunday.
''I'm here to make plays,'' Hagan said. ``That's what I was brought here for. Now, I'm just really getting the opportunity to show what I can do.''
in total points scored by WR's. if he can get in the offensive mix a little more, he will be a STUD.I'd say he should have a little more chemistry w/ Harrington than culpepper - Welker has been working with the 2nd team (and therefore Harringotn) more in pre-season, and should have a better chemistry.i actually think Welker could out produce Booker, if given a chance. he seems like a much better YAC guy and a better open field runner.That being said, it is possible that Welkers non-special team success thus far could be because he hasn't been drawing the best cover guys. If he is the #2, then he will be facing a starting caliber CB, as opposed to a nickel-back.
I think McMichael is the move to make here. Much bigger redzone target, and his overall targets jumped with Harrington as well.
Thanks, I just gave the Schedule a quick glance.
No sweat dude, happens to us all. 
