The Dolphins jump back to the offensive side of the ball and added a big, nice WR in 6'2, 211 lbs B.J Cunningham of Michigan State.  Very polished, well rounded wide receiver with very good production.  Career 218 catches for 3,086 yards with a 14.2 yards per catch average and 25 touchdowns.  In 2011, he posted 79 catches for 1,306 yards with a 16.5 yard average with 12 touchdown catches.

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Overview

Cunningham has been a highly regarded prospect. He has size for the position and is a very polished, well-rounded receiver. He was a durable starter, making him a solid third-round value.

Analysis

Strengths

Cunningham is very savvy off the ball when getting into his route, using his core strength to swat away hands and lean on corners. He has very quick feet and can get corners off balance in-route, and can burst and then snap routes off quickly, gaining separation. He is a good zone-feel receiver who likes to sit in holes, catch the ball and work upfield. He is a strong and physical player who makes his presence felt when blocking downfield.

Weaknesses

Cunningham can struggle if he doesn't get open quickly with his footwork. He can be physical in routes, which at times can allow defensive backs to run in-phase with him.

Overall Football Traits Production 2 "2008: (13/12) - 41-528-12.9 2009: (12/10) - 48-641-13.4-4 2010: (12/7) - 50-611-12.2-9 2011: (14/13) -- 79-1,306-16.5-12. Career (2008-'11) - 8 carries-82-10.2. " Height-Weight-Speed 3 "Average blend of height, weight and top-end speed. " Durability 4 "Bilateral calf strain prevented him from running shuttles at the combine. Broke foot during a practice, underwent surgery the following day and missed 2012 Capital One Bowl. Slowed by lower body injury early in 2008. " Intangibles 4 Suspended for the 2009 Alamo Bowl for involvement in a brawl between football players and a fraternity in November of 2009. Reinstated to team and plead guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery in January of 2010. Finished career as the school's all-time leader in receptions and yards. Voted by teammates as the MVP of the 2011 season.     1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal Wide Receiver Specific Traits Separation Skills 3 "Although he lacks prototypical burst and suddenness with routes he shows good savvy and tempo. Does a nice job of setting up defenders within stem to gain initial leverage. Displays a quick gather at the top of routes when running comeback, hook or curl routes. Displays quick hands to swat defenders hands to get clean release against press. Also does a nice job of reading defenders technique on the run and can adjust release accordingly. Shows good awareness and can uncover against zone coverage. " Ball Skills 2 Possesses natural hands and catches the ball away from frame. Can pluck it on the run without breaking stride. Shows very good body control to open up and make tough catch behind him. Tracks the fade and deep ball well and does a nice job adjusting to outside shoulder throw. Does it all despite having smaller hands (8 1/8). Big play ability 3 Long-strider that appeared faster than listed speed on film but not fast enough to consistently get behind the coverage. Plays bigger than his listed measurables and flashes ability to win one-on-on down field battles. Tracks the deep ball well and times leaps properly to elevate and high point the football. Shifty runner with enough wiggle and power to produce after the catch but doesn't have breakaway speed. Competitiveness 2 No fear going over the middle and shows good focus to secure catch in traffic. Displays good field awareness and will slide into next window when initial window is closed. Runs hard and fights for yards after the catch. Can get into position and wall-off defenders but could be more aggressive as a blocker. Does a nice job of finding soft spot and working back to quarterback on of a broken play.   1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal

 

All-conference last year after posting an impressive 79/1,306/12 line for the Spartans, Cunningham is a big-bodied underneath receiver willing to fight for the ball in traffic. A smart receiver who uses his body well, Cunningham fell to the sixth round because he lacks vertical speed and can't stretch defenses. In a shallow Miami receiving corps, Cunningham should have a fair shot to make the final roster. 

Positives: Good-sized body with thickness throughout his frame. Has very good hand-eye coordination with strong hands and focus to make catches away from his body with ease -- nice job tracking and adjusting to passes. Has fluid body control and attacks the ball. Possesses very good field awareness and balance to set up his routes. Savvy, mature, consistently productive four-year starter.

 

Negatives: Not a consistent vertical threat and is more of a one-speed athlete with some obvious body stiffness. Lacks many explosive traits, and his downfield acceleration is subpar. Struggles to separate on a consistent basis.