The South Florida Solar Sentinel continues its eight-part collection previewing prime gamers within the 2023 NFL draft (April 27-29) with tight ends. The Dolphins’ first decide within the draft is No. 51, a second-round choice.
The Dolphins’ major choices at tight finish are Durham Smythe, Tanner Conner and newly-signed Eric Saubert. Miami watched Mike Gesicki depart to New England through free company and traded Hunter Lengthy to the Los Angeles Rams within the deal for cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Tight finish is taken into account among the many prime priorities for the Dolphins within the draft.
Dalton Kincaid, Utah
Kincaid (6 foot 4, 246 kilos) is extra of a slot receiver than an old-school in-line tight finish. He was a matchup nightmare in faculty as a result of he’s a elegant route-runner and top-notch receiver (70 receptions, 890 yards, eight touchdowns). His abilities ought to switch properly to the NFL.
Michael Mayer, Notre Dame
Mayer (6-4, 249), a bodily type, has a balanced sport, which means you possibly can put him in-line or within the slot. He’s a gifted receiver as his 67 receptions for 809 yards and 9 touchdowns will attest. However he’s additionally bought the talent and need to be blocker.
Sam LaPorta, Iowa
LaPorta (6-3, 245) is balanced, athletic and versatile, which means he’s receiver in any formation in addition to an completed blocker. LaPorta (58 receptions, 657 yards, one landing) isn’t finest at school in any class however he does all the pieces properly and could possibly be essentially the most well-rounded tight finish within the draft.
Luke Musgrave, Oregon State
Musgrave (6-6, 253) solely performed two video games final season because of a knee harm, totaling 11 receptions for 169 yards and one landing. However he’s the kind of tight finish groups need due to his receiving abilities and big-play potential. He excels on the seam route however he would possibly want preliminary endurance after mainly lacking the 2022 season.
Darnell Washington, Georgia
Washington (6-7, 264) is a giant man who matches the function of old-school in-line tight finish, which you might guess by his measurement and statistical line of 28 receptions, 454 yards and two touchdowns. He doesn’t have the fluid actions of at present’s slot tight ends, however he can transfer males. And his palms are respectable.
Better of the remainder
South Dakota State’s Tucker Kraft, Cincinnati’s Josh Whyle, Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker, Clemson’s Davis Allen and Will Mallory of the College of Miami compose the remainder of the highest gamers on this loaded class.
Class grade: A-
It’s yr to wish a good finish with receiving abilities. This class is expert on the prime, stocked with ready-to-play guys, and it’s deep, which means you'll find good expertise via three rounds.
Groups in want
Apart from the Dolphins there’s Dallas, the Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati, Inexperienced Bay, Washington, Detroit, and the Los Angeles Rams.
Dolphins’ focus
Ideally, the Dolphins desire a tight finish who combines in-line blocking abilities with good receiving abilities, particularly a capability to run the seam route. With defenses targeted on extensive receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle within the passing sport, the hope is the tight finish can exploit his matchup. Blocking abilities aren’t a No. 1 requirement as Smythe will do plenty of blocking, however the brand new tight finish should have the ability to block.
<u>Beforehand addressed</u>
Dolphins NFL draft choices: Offensive line
Dolphins NFL draft choices: Operating backs
()