Entering the 2013 season, Charles Clay was second on the Miami Dolphins depth chart at tight end. The team had signed Dustin Keller formerly of the New York Jets, to be one of quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s leading receivers in his second season. Keller suffered a shocking knee injury in the preseason which put an end to his 2013 season before it even got started.
Instead of looking for another veteran tight end to bring in, Dolphins Head Coach Joe Philbin elevated Clay to the starting tight end position and it sure paid off. Clay caught a combined 10 passes for 163 yards in the first two weeks of the 2013 season.
Clay would go on to have one of the best seasons in Dolphins history for a tight end as he ranked among the top five in all three statistical categories. His 69 catches were the second most a tight end has ever had behind Randy McMichael’s 73 in 2004 and his 759 receiving yards also were the second most behind McMichael’s 791 that same year. While his six touchdown receptions were tied for third behind Anthony Fasano’s seven in 2008 and Keith Jackson’s seven in 1994.
Unlike last season, Clay is expected to have a big season in 2014. The former Tulsa Golden Hurricane was named to the 2014 Top 100 players list earlier this summer. Clay is probably a surprise for most fans outside of Miami, as he is not recognizable name, but fans and players in the AFC East have taken notice of Clay’s abilities. Last season when the New England Patriots played the Dolphins, cornerback Aqib Talib, who’s considered one of the best at his position often matched up against Clay.
It’s funny the difference a year makes. Clay was once considered a weak link at the tight end position, but now he is one of the team’s most important weapons. If the Dolphins are expected to make a run at the postseason, Clay will have to play an even bigger role in the team’s offense.
