Miami Dolphins: Possible TE Trade Targets

December 02, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Moeaki (81) runs the ball as Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) attempts the defense in the second half of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

With the recent and absolutely devastating injury to Miami Dolphins tight end, Dustin Keller, Miami is now in a huge pickle. The team currently has Charles Clay – who is more of an H-back, Kyle Miller – who is still being developed but has had a nice camp, rookie Dion Sims – who is still transitioning from college to the pros and is seen as more of a blocker if anything, and, well, that other guy.

All kidding aside, this is the moment where former third-round pick, Michael Egnew, must show up and play balls to the walls. But let’s not kid ourselves, that’s not going to happen any time soon.

So, Miami has a fairly under-whelming group of tight ends. I don’t really think that surprises you at all. But are there really any options out there for Miami to add some more talent to this group of inexperienced under-achievers?

Until rosters are cut down to 53, you can pretty much cross any and all free agents off the list. Sorry Randy McMichael fans, you will not see a reunion. The same goes for Donald Lee. Jeremy Shockey, Kevin Boss and Todd Heap belong right where they are. Out of the league.

Let’s take a quick trip to Cincinnati, where second-year tight end, Orson Charles, is currently attempting to make a shift to the fullback position. Why? The coaches know of Charles’ athletic ability and have a desire to get him on the field. The issue? He’s not a fullback and the team cannot put Charles over this year’s first-round pick, Tyler Eifert, at tight end.

Will Cincinnati cut Charles? Honestly, I don’t know. I would be surprised to see the team do so. But if they did indeed do so, Miami best be all over that before New England tries.

Miami could attempt to dangle a draft pick or a player in front of Cincy, but Charles is not a very good blocker, which is something the team will miss from Keller.

Denver is another interesting place to travel to if you’re looking for a tight end. The team currently has a huge log-jam. With Virgil Green, Julius Thomas, Joel Dreessen, Jacob Tamme, Jake O’Connell, and Deangelo Peterson.

Let’s be honest here, Thomas and Tamme are probably untouchable. Thomas has had a great camp and a great showing thus far in preseason action. Tamme, on the other hand, has worked with QB Peyton Manning dating back to his Indianapolis Colts days. Hard to believe Manning would allow Tamme to be shipped out of town.

After that, the two guys I have my eyes on are Green and Dreessen. Green is a third-year guy out of Nevada and has a nice ceiling to work with. He has a nice set of tools as a tight end and would be worth bringing in if Denver were to be willing to part ways either via trade or if the team were to cut him at roster cuts.

Dreessen, on the other hand, is an eight-year pro and has spent some time with Denver, Houston and the New York Jets. In his first season with the Broncos, Dreessen snagged 41 balls for 356 yards and 5 touchdowns. Anthony Fasano numbers anyone?

Dreessen is more of a blocking tight end but also has a nice set of skills via the pass game. If Miami were to bring Dreessen to town, it would honestly be a good move.

November 5, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma (51) tackles Philadelphia Eagles tight end Clay Harbor (82) during the first half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Now we’ll head out to Kansas City and take a look at a guy who actually was supposed to be the heir apparent to the great Kansas City tight end, Tony Gonzalez. That’s right, Tony Moeaki.

Moeaki is probably the most interesting guy on the short list of tight ends the Dolphins could, more likely should, look at. The former Iowa, that’s right Iowa, tight end has a ton of traits that Miami is missing at the tight end position. Moeaki is a seam-threat tight end who possesses a big, red-zone type body and has incredible athleticism.

Moeaki is cheap, young and possesses the skills that Miami needs at the position. Sign me up.

Kansas City can afford to part ways with Moeaki after drafting Cincinnati tight end, Travis Kelcie, this past april and signing former Miami Dolphin, Anthony Fasano, during the free agent period. Will they be willing to part ways? Well, if I’m Jeff Ireland, I’d do everything I can to see if I can’t pry him away from KC.

Let’s take a quick trip to Green Bay where receivers and tight ends grow on trees.

I’m not going to sugar-coat it, DJ Williams is a guy Miami could use. The former Arkansas tight end was known as one of college football’s best tight ends. Aaaaand then he went through the scouting process. Oh, he’s too short. Oh, he’s too slow. Oh, he won’t succeed as a tight end. Better make the move to H-back.

Williams is a very good blocking tight end and would do a fine job for Miami. The only issue is, would Green Bay be willing to part ways? A part of me says no. But a part of me says yes. No, it’s not due to Philbin’s ties to the organization. It’s really just because of the depth they have at the position. Williams is expendable.

Realistically this is an scenario that could happen, but it most likely will not. And that may upset you. Sorry.

Okay, okay the show is almost over. Let’s take a trip to Philadelphia and take a look at an interesting rumor, while also looking at an interesting prospect.

First off, it seems as though ever since Keller destroyed his knee, Philly TE Brent Celek has been a hot topic among Dolphins fans and blogging sites. And I’m here to tell you, there is no way in, well you know the rest.

Chip Kelly knows the importance of the tight end position, especially in his offense. (Kevin Hart voice) “Oh, well they just drafted Zach Ertz and signed James Casey this offseason..” Exactly my point, bro.

Celek is an Eagle and will likely remain an Eagle. Now Casey, on the other hand, is someone I would absolutely love for Ireland to pick up. But I’ve come face to face with reality, that’s not happening.

But one guy that could be interesting if Miami could snag him away would be fourth-year tight end, Clay Harbor. With Celek, Ertz and now Casey in town, Harbor is absolutely buried on the depth chart. Harbor showed some promise last season for the Eagles catching 25 balls for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Harbor is not a “great” in-line blocker, but his youth will suggest that he can improve (remember he’s not Mike Egnew). Pile that on top of his athleticism and you’ve got yourself a decent looking tight end.

Harbor is probably the likeliest candidate on this list due to the log-jam ahead of him and his youth. Ireland may be able to snag Harbor for a bag of chips and a dirty sock. Although, I’m not sure if that’s a good thing.

IF you have some more names, leave them below in the comment section. Just a few favors. Don’t give me Tony Scheffler. Detroit needs to keep adding weapons for Matthew Stafford to throw to. Not subtract. Don’t say Garrett Graham. Houston likes Graham and needs him as Owen Daniels is ALWAYS hurt. And if you tell me Benjamin Watson, I’ll probably smack you.