BY DAN BEGNOCHE
Jarvis Landry's final season at LSU is well known at this point: more than 75 receptions, nearly 1,200 yards receiving, 10 touchdowns.
While those numbers may be what bolstered his draft grade and paved the way for his eventual second-round selection, Miami Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey is excited about the traits Landry brings that aren't on his stat sheet.
In speaking with The Finsiders Thursday, Hickey pointed toward Landry's wide array of talents, along with his role as team captain, as a main reason behind his acquisition.
"This guy is a football player," Hickey said. "Not only that, but he also brings other elements with his toughness, ability to play on special teams, even some abilities as a returner. All those things really added to his value and you’re talking about a leader.
"Whenever you talk to anybody at LSU, they always talked about, ‘This guy is the leader of that group.’ We’re real excited. He’s done great here and real excited to have him in our mix."
Leadership was apparently a priority for Hickey going into the draft. He told Chris Perkins of the Sun Sentinel that "we want to bring leaders onto the team," then drafted five former team captains in his eight picks.
The team is currently carrying only five players in their 30s, and the influx of undrafted free agents that have joined the team since the draft has contributed to an overall youthful roster.
Carrying an average age of just under 25, Hickey and the 'Fins coaching staff will be looking to those former captains, along with his remaining veterans, come training camp to help bring together a unit that was a far cry from copacetic last season.
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