Special teams may be the lone outlet for former Alabama wide receiver Christion Jones in Miami. The Dolphins are stacked at wide receiver, despite losing Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson. It returns Jarvis Landry and acquired Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings.
Miami selected former Louisville wideout DeVante Parker in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He underwent foot surgery in early June, but is expected to be ready for preseason play.
Jones made strides in rookie mini-camp, but his opportunity for a roster spot will come through special teams. He totaled 1,727 kick return yards, 719 punt return yards and four touchdowns in his career at Alabama. Jones returned two punts and kick for a touchdown as a junior in 2013.
Jones wasn’t targeted much as a receiver last season; however, his 22-yard reception against LSU helped Alabama win in overtime 20-13. His 6-yard touchdown reception against Missouri lengthened Alabama’s lead to 28-13. The Crimson Tide won the SEC title game 42-13.
His career ended with 1,030 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 85 receptions.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.