Tight End Group Vastly Improved With Phins Yin & Yang Picks
Two Tight End specialists with opposite skillsets solidify Miami’s big weakness
Miami now has a Tight End that’s an excellent receiver and blocker
Everyone and their mother knew that Tight End was a critical issue for the Miami Dolphins and that this issue needed to be resolved in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Another well know fact was that there wasn’t one certified ‘Grade A’ Tight End that could both receive and block very well.
So what to do, what to do?
Miami found a way to get it done.
Miami’s first TE selection of Mike Gesicki at #42 in the 2nd Rd drew raves from Mike Mayock…
… Joel Klatt and Charles Davis.
Was I the only one a little uncomfortable with the high praise the Dolphins pick drew? Man, I could get used to this, huh?
But as a true jaded Phins Fan, I became focused on Gesicki’s weakness: his blocking skills, or lack thereof… despite his tremendous athletic talent and excellent receiving skills.
Some of the Miami faithful, especially the ole’ school ones–like me, began to wring their hands and fret. Suddenly, I was overcome with a traumatic flashback: Michael Egnew, Michael Egnew, Mmmmmichael Egnew!!
Then late in the 4th round with 123rd overall pick, Miami signed Durham Smythe.
Despite a name that sounds more suited for the refined and dignified male protagonist in 19th Century British romance novel, Smythe is, in fact, a rough and tumble blocking beast. And Mike Mayock offered a possible addition boon with the pick: Smythe might be very underrated as a receiver as well.
Miami filled a need with younger versions of Anthony Fasano and Julius Thomas
You can see Smythe moving out Defensive Ends in the clip below and a small glimpse of his receiving skills. If you watch extended clips (thanks, Steve) he looks fluid enough in his snaps at H-Back to carry over the same level of success to the NFL. This pick, especially in conjunction with Gesicki, looks to be a very nice win in this draft. Chris Grier may just have pulled off a draft that will be a quick feather in his cap.
I can’t say enough about these two picks. Maybe they won’t pan out… Maybe they will. Who really knows at this point? But I don’t think anyone can fault either pick. The wisdom and rationality of both choices are clear. These were the right moves in position, in value, and in the timing of the draft. I might be taking a shot in the dark: The Pats were behind the Dolphins at #43, and as soon as Gesicki was picked, they traded out: This seems more than mere coincidence to most football betting software providers… or maybe not. But given Gronks beat-up body, I think Gesicki was the player they were targeting. Thinking of Bill’s displeasure adds a nice cherry on top of the pick. Well done Miami and well played. Go Phins!!!
Defensive Tackle On the moved!
Michael Rothstein
Lions trade DT Spence to Dolphins for pick
Defensive tackle Akeem Spence, after registering a career-high 39 tackles in 2017, has been traded by the Lions to the Dolphins for an undisclosed 2019 draft pick.
Yeah, Steve liked the move. Been moving to a new home over the last couple of days, so I have some catching up to do… have a few Jimmy articles and some of mine waiting to be done as well. Been very pleased of the Phins moves… def. brings some hope, brother!!!
Yeah Happy moving Admin.
We will have to really breakdown the interior line before the season began.
Yeah def… I have three big projects before the season: season study on kiko, passing breakdown of Tannehill’s 2016 season game by game… and an entire OL study… it should be a quite next 2 months… so that’s the plan… think Tannehill will be first up. Move done… now the unpacking is underway… joy 🙂
The more I read about our draft/players, the more I realize that our top 3 draftees are FREAK athletes. Yes, Freaks. We all know and heard/read about Fitz and his versatility, and his speed (4.4).
Then I started to look into/read about our new TE – Gesicki, speaking of FREAK, Gesicki is taller than Calvin Johnson, stronger than Donald Penn, faster than Antonio Brown, and has a better vertical than Oddell Beckham, true story. Gesicki led in ALL TE categories at the combine, did you read that, ALL, led in the bench press (23 reps), vertical jump (41.5 inches), broad jump (10-9), three-cone drill (6.72), 20-yard shuttle (4.10), and 60-yard shuttle (11.33), while tying for fastest time in the 40-yard dash with a 4.54. Maybe that is why his last name contains “sick” in it. Because, frankly that is SICK!
Then there is LBer Baker. Baker ranks 17th in a Sports Illustrated article (ranking the top 40 collegiate football workout warriors). Baker’s name is on a board that hangs at the Ohio State training facility called “Woody Hayes Center” for running a 4.3 (no misprint). Jerome is another FREAK athlete.
The possibility of the starting LBers this season compared to last season, HELLO!!! A SLOW and wore down Timmons compared to a fresh Baker, NIGHT and DAY. A SLOWER and over weight Malaluga compared to McMillan, again HELLO! The only returning starter in Kiko, is Kiko. Though he did struggle, maybe a move back to the “Mike” position will allow him to return to his ’16 form. We should no longer see TEs and RBs running free in our secondary (not to mention Fitz).
How about the TE situation in ’17 compared to this season??? A slow and lifeless Thomas compared to a bigger and more athletic, faster Gesicki. HUGE upgrade. And throw in Smythe as Fasano’s replacement (Love Fasano as a blocking TE, a younger, fresher Smythe should alleviate that lose).
I won’t even get into the Fitz comparison. I believe Fitz will be our Myles Jack of this defense.
With just the addition of these 3 players alone Miami has become much much more athletic, faster, and dynamic. Sure there may be a learning curve, but with their speed and athleticism, they should over come that curve sooner than later.
Miami may well have a coming out party this season. 6 wins is the Vegas over/under. I predict they will have 6 wins by week 9 setting up for a interesting last quarter of the season.
Hey Dunner… been moving over the last couple of days, so I’m behind. I agree I really like the draft. Not sold on Baker yet as more than a ST or role player. I still believe in Anthony… hope they both are good. That’s the WLB spot. McMillian better take the MLB spot… where does Kiko fit? I liked the draft a lot and love Minkah… really the kid is a great kid and should make a major impact early. Like this new DT in the rotation as well. Overall, this team is far deeper and a better roster overall. Only Suh’s loss is the big ? Can they fill it? Will they miss him? The addition of TE’s should change the dynamics of this O big time. Gesicki will for seam respect and drive the D back… finally opening up those beloved WR screens and the run game.
Mike Gesicki and Smythe A two tight end set, I looked forward to watching them play this season.
Kalen our new running back returns kick off, passing plays etc. Hopefully the Dolphins utilize and developed these players gifts vs determine to run ineffective plays that are non productive.
https://youtu.be/54xVcK8dAJU
I will buy jerseys this fall. Ha!
Possible 4 starters by mid season.
This was one of the easiest Miami drafts to mock. Hoping that is a good thing, which I strongly believe. This is the first draft in over 10 years, imo, that made sense right from the first pick to the last pick (?). Could never mock a Ireland draft, no wonder there were flops, made little sense.
LOVE the double down with the TEs. We now have the new Gronk and DO NOT sleep on Smythe. As Steve mentioned earlier, Smyhte could end up being the better. Not sure about the threat aspect of it, but I do see him playing longer in the league. No longer a weakness, all the sudden a possible STRENGTH.
LOVE the double down w LBers. Maybe not the ideal spots (3rd & 7th), woulda like 1st/2nd and 4th/5th. But, I wouldn’t change a thing at this point. SPEED, SPEED, SPEED!!! Specifically, defensive SPEED!
I’m not a jersey guy, the only jersey I have is Marino’s (surprise). I think I may have to get a Fitz jersey, I have a feeling he is going to be a Fin corner stone for 10+ years. LOVE it!
Little disappointed that we didn’t grab a DT, especially with the few that were available in the 4th or later (Hurst). Noticed that Miami brought in 2 UDFA local kids at the DT position; Anthony Moten, DT, Miami and Jamiyus Pittman, DT, UCF. Maybe the FO knew something most others didn’t about these 2 kids? Maybe they figure one of them could be capable of a rotation. I find it interesting, and hope there is something to it. I am trusting, because it seems they had a logical plan and nailed it.
Like the Ballage pick, right player at the right spot (4th). When you look at his height/weight, you think he will be the thunder to our lightning (Drake). No thunder there, all lightning. He is a homerun hitter despite his size. He will fill one of the Kick returning spots.
Kicker??? Questionable when Pineiro was still on the board. Miami did bring Sanders in, for what was a secret workout (down low). The only thing I could think is leg strength and his ability to kick the ball out of the end zone on all kickoffs. Then again, w Gesicki we won’t need to kick many field goals, lol!
Speaking of speed, 6th rounder Armstrong, he ran a 4.3 before. More defensive speed. Notice a theme on defense?
This draft made so much sense, from pick 1 to pick 8. DBs are better, LBers are better (and MUCH, MUCH faster), TE position is lock and loaded (wow has that been a long time). RB depth, top 3 are a solid solid group. I believe this team is going to surprise many, they could be much much better than last season. One thing is for sure, we shouldn’t see as many TE’s and RBs running wide open in our secondary.
I had to laugh when I heard Ross Tucker of Sirius Radio say that Miami will start Fitz as slot corner. NOT!!! That is a comment from someone that really didn’t follow this team close enough last season. McCain has developed into one of the best slot corners in the league, true story. He had a incredible finish last season. Mark it, McCain is in next years pro bowl.
Prayer’s for Lemmus. Lemmus, I could hear you now. Miami did not pick a single O-Lineman in the draft for the first time in franchise history.
QB Riley Ferguson signed with the Tampa Bay.
Currently free agent signed and not signed.
https://www.google.iq/amp/s/www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nfl/2018/4/28/17293694/nfl-draft-udfa-signings-tracker-results-2018
Latest agents to Dolphins.
Watch “Riley Ferguson QB
https://youtu.be/x8NVovr-2Tg
https://www.google.iq/amp/s/gbmwolverine.com/2018/04/28/michigan-football-mike-mccray-heads-lb-needy-miami-dolphins/amp/
https://youtu.be/o2PuEVKbxQo
Vs. Pennstate
https://youtu.be/cwNFCwTing8
Vs Ohio State
https://youtu.be/uOP4Gx0qKXA
Buddy Howell RB FAU
Watch “Jalen Tabor of florida
https://youtu.be/L7zi9bEJK78
OL Purdue
Watch “David Steinmetz- Redshi
https://youtu.be/T6PXBssmWsk
Good read Admin!
Don’t be surprised if the later TE is the better!
Hey here are the latest undrafted free agent picked up by the Dolphins!
Miami Dolphins
Connor Hilland, OL, Willam and Mary
Quincy Redmon DE/LB, Fairmont State
Buddy Howell, RB, Florida Atlantic
Mike McCray, LB, Michigan
Jalen Davis, CB, Utah State
Jamiyus Pittman, DT, Central Florida
Claudy Mathieu, DL, Notre Dame College (OH)
David Steinmetz, OL, Purdue
Thanks, Steve… overall, I think we could see 3-4 players make an immediate impact in 2018.