Sleeper Watch

When it rains, it pours, even in a city known for sun and fun, and right now Miami is in the middle of a tropical storm. First Ricky Williams’s retirement left the running game into disarray, and now newly-acquired receiver David Boston is expected to miss the entire season with a knee injury. Can things get any worse for the Dolphins?

The most likely candidate to replace Boston is fourth-year WR Derrius Thompson. Undrafted out of Baylor, Thompson worked his way into Washington’s receiving mix, compiling a career-best 773 yards in 2002 while also returning kicks. Last season, he started 12 games for Miami and caught 26 passes for 359 yards.

Boston’s acquisition had relegated Thompson to third-receiver status and dropped him off most fantasy owners’ radar screens, but now that he’ll be starting again, he’s worth a look in deeper leagues. The Dolphins may have an unsettled quarterback situation and only remnants of a rushing attack, but somebody has to catch passes for this team, and Chris Chambers will frequently find himself surrounded by an entire entourage of defenders. Don’t expect miracles from Thompson, and keep in mind that Miami may yet sign a veteran receiver – Tim Brown, perhaps? – but don’t forget him in the late rounds of deep drafts.