| Receptions | Targets | Yards | Touchdowns | 20+ Yards | Fumbles | Yards After Catch | First Downs | |
| 2011 | 16 | 25 | 233 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 84 | 12 |
| 2012 | 15 | 29 | 201 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 72 | 8 |
In his first year as a Miami Dolphin, Clay played for Tony Sparano, Brian Daboll, and (for the last three games) Todd Bowles. As a rookie he showed flashes of being a multi-functional player, a steal as a sixth round pick, and a possible TE of the future for Miami. 6 of his 16 receptions went for 20 or more yards, and he has had twelve first downs.
Things looked promising coming into his second season. Hopes were that he would grow some more and would gain more responsibilities. Joe Philbin and Mike Sherman installed a new system known as the West Coast Offense, which is an up-tempo, explosive system that Clay was expected to excel in. But, in the pre-season Clay got lost in the sauce and fell into Sherman's dog house. It could have been a sophomore slump, or he was just learning a new system with new coaches. That much is uncertain.
What is certain is that in recent games Clay is again showing his skillset and doing it consistently. 4 of his 15 receptions have gone for 20 or more yards and he has had eight first downs. His numbers show that when used he moves the chains and is a red zone threat at TE. The most important number, though, is his zero fumbles.
He may not be as good of a blocker as Fasano, but he has the ability to be a top 10 TE. He could also make fans forget about Mike Egnew being drafted and become a seam threat and safety valve for Tannehill for years to come.
Mike Sherman are you listening?
Email me at shawn@dolphinshout.com.
