It was late Monday, and Dolfans heard something familiar: ESPN's Ron Jaworski saying how ``Miami lacks explosiveness'' and Matt Millen bemoaning how the Dolphins ``cannot make a big play.''

So do the Dolphins need a game-breaking receiver? ``I don't think that is the case right now,'' coach Tony Sparano said. ``I am happy with the guys we have. They are getting better.''

The Dolphins might feel differently next spring. But if a new labor agreement isn't reached by the start of free agency, there would be no 2010 salary cap and top receivers Brandon Marshall (Denver), Braylon Edwards (Cleveland) and Vincent Jackson (San Diego) would be restricted free agents instead of unrestricted, allowing their teams to match offers, and requiring draft-pick compensation to lure them. The other top 2010 free agent receivers -- Buffalo's Terrell Owens (not wanted here) and Tampa Bay's Antonio Bryant -- would be unrestricted regardless. Teams can prevent unrestricted free agents from moving with use of their one franchise tag each offseason.

Why wasn't a top receiver acquired before now? General Manager Jeff Ireland has said management didn't want to give the money or compensation needed to go after a front-line receiver. A Dolphins executive told NFL people last spring that Miami has a higher regard for its receivers than others do, and wants to see if Ted Ginn Jr. blossoms.

Associates cite Bill Parcells' belief he can build an elite team without a star receiver. (Owens was forced on Parcells in Dallas.) ``That worked with the Giants, but Miami doesn't have the other pieces,'' former Falcons general manager Ken Herock said. ``The Giants had an All-Pro tight end in Mark Bavaro, a better quarterback in Phil Simms and were much better defensively.''

• Although the Dolphins like Anquan Boldin (signed through 2011) and spoke to Arizona in the spring, they didn't want to trade a first-round pick, which the Cardinals reportedly sought. If the Broncos deal the controversial Marshall next offseason, they would want a first-round pick, and there's no indication the Dolphins would do that. Word is Cleveland might deal Edwards eventually, but he is prone to drops.

• Although the Vontae Davis pick was understandable, some will question Miami for not taking Hakeem Nicks at No. 25 if he becomes a star for the Giants. But the consensus top seven receivers were gone when Miami took Pat White at No. 44. Brian Hartline made sense at No. 108, but the jury is out on Patrick Turner (87th). Miami had strongly considered speedy Johnny Knox, Chicago's impressive fifth-rounder.

• One NFC personnel director said the problem is ``none of Miami's receivers are special by any means'' and several have similar skills as possession receivers. Hartline has upside and got deep in preseason; Greg Camarillo said he, Davone Bess and Hartline are sharing snaps equally opposite Ginn.

• Mel Kiper's top three draft prospects, in order, at receiver (all juniors): Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant (ninth among all draftable prospects; ``dynamic receiver, punt returner and TD maker''); Illinois' Arrelious Benn (11th, ``silky smooth with excellent run-after-catch ability''); and USC's Damian Williams (19th). Kiper's top two senior receivers are Cincinnati's Mardy Gilyard and LSU's Brandon LaFell.

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