Dolphins' Hagan getting rave reviews

[DolFan619]

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/622804.html

Dolphins' Hagan getting rave reviews

BY SARAH ROTHSCHILD
Miami Herald

Wide receiver Derek Hagan doesn't just want to have a breakout season. He is vying to be the Dolphins' top receiver.

''I'm not playing behind two former Pro Bowlers,'' he said Tuesday, referring to departed veteran receivers Chris Chambers and Marty Booker. ``Those guys are gone, and now it's my turn. The Dolphins drafted me for a reason. The time is now.''

Hagan, who entered training camp as the team's No. 3 receiver, has been impressive, but the bigger question is whether he can parlay that into a productive season.

Hagan's performance is drawing rave reviews from teammates. The 2006 third-round draft pick always has been viewed as a talent, but dropped passes the past two seasons raised questions.

Through the first few days of camp, he has consistently caught passes and showed aggressiveness and ability to make big plays in traffic.

''His work habits went up 10 notches,'' Dolphins cornerback Andre' Goodman said. ``I love the guy. I'm a Derek Hagan fan right now.''

Hagan believes he is poised for his best season, especially since Chambers (traded early last season) and Booker (who was released during the offseason) are gone. Hagan's main competition is offseason acquisition Ernest Wilford, a veteran, and second-year Ted Ginn Jr.

THE TIGHT END RACE

One of the more intriguing battles is at tight end, because the team has six players at the position in camp. There was less of a logjam Tuesday, though, because Aaron Halterman, a holdover from last year, missed practice to have his back evaluated. Veteran Justin Peelle did not participate in the second half of practice and had ice on his right knee but said afterward he was ``fine.''

Anthony Fasano continued first-team practice but characterized the battle as a ``healthy competition.''

ROOKIE'S GOOD PLAY

Rookie Donald Thomas played right guard with the first team for the second consecutive day, and has impressed several Dolphins.

'When you watch him out there, I know coming off the field [on Monday], a couple of our defensive players thought `He's really heavy,' '' coach Tony Sparano said Tuesday. 'And when a defensive player says `really heavy,' he doesn't mean heavy in size, he means heavy when he hits you and when he leans on you.''

ODDS AND ENDS

• For the second consecutive day, cornerback Michael Lehan (ankle) ran and did individual drills on the sideline. Sparano said the team is taking a cautious approach with Lehan but said he is ''not far, but a little further away'' from returning.

• The team practiced in full pads Tuesday but moved its session into practice bubble because of storms.

[Dave Gray]

I'm probably most interested in Hagan, out of everyone on the whole team.  I think this is a make/break year for him and will ultimately determine if he'll be a long term receiver solution.  I feel that his potential is untapped at this point, and knowing the relationship that Parcells has with his receivers, I wouldn't be surprised if it got better or worse.

[Dphins4me]

  Lets hope he continues when the hitting starts in games

[DolFan619]

  Hagan had another great practice today.  He's really on a tear, but let''s hope it can translate into the games.