Miami Dolphins training camp preview: TE's

The Miami Dolphins didn’t see the contractual value in keeping Charles Clay this off-season. Instead they let the Buffalo Bills take the talented tight-end off their hands when they chose not to meet the Bills contract offer. Initially there were questions about what the Dolphins would do without Clay but prior to Clay’s offer sheet from Buffalo, the Dolphins signed free agent tight-end Jordan Cameron.

This years combination of Cameron and returning Dion Sims gives the Dolphins one of the best on paper tandems in recent years. Camp battle this year won’t be so much as a competition for starting time or playing time or roster spots but camp will nonetheless be important as one of the main gears in the Dolphins offense.

Jordan Cameron

Cameron is a legit seam threat tight-end who excels in the red-zone. Well over 6′ tall Cameron’s biggest battle in 2015 will be to stay healthy. Two years removed from a Pro-Bowl season with the Browns, Cameron spent most of the 2014 season sitting on the sideline with a series of concussions. Cameron posted an impressive 424 yards on 27 catches in 2014 in very limited action. The Dolphins believe that Cameron can return to his 2013 form.

For Miami, and specifically Ryan Tannehill, a big tight-end is what the team needs and Cameron has the potential to not only meet the production of Charles Clay but eclipse it easily. Staying healthy being the biggest key. This training camp it will be imperative for Tannehill and Cameron to gain much needed confidence in each other. Through the off-season both quarterback and tight-end have worked hard at developing that chemistry and there is no reason to believe that will not continue through camp.

Dion Sims

Sims enters his 3rd NFL season and has shown improved each of his previous two seasons. A good blocking tight-end, Sims has started to gain the trust of Tannehill in the passing game and should see his reps on the field continue to grow on game day. Sims and Cameron give the Dolphins a one-two punch at tight-end and two additional targets for Tannehill. Sims needs to work on his route running and the use of his body to shield off linebackers but he tends to be more of an outlet option for now but that should change this season as he gets more involved in the offense.

Arthur Lynch

Lynch missed the 2014 season injured and questions remain whether or not he can become the tight-end the Dolphins envisioned. It’s hard to know exactly what Lynch can bring to the offense given his very limited opportunities. He will need to make the most of every opportunity this off-season in order to earn a roster spot, and yes he will be competing for just that. Lynch has very solid offensive skills but while he is a master of neither blocking or receiving he is adequate enough to make a strong run for a spot on the active roster.

Jake Stoneburner

This 2nd year un-drafted tight end appeared in nine games with the Green Bay Packers in 2013 but did not log a reception. The Dolphins signed him in 2014 but he made no appearances with the team. The Dolphins signed Stoneburner to a “futures” contract shortly after the season ended. He had two stints on the teams practice squad last year. He will be competing for a roster spot during training camp and has some very solid competition.

Gerell Robinson

Robinson saw action in the final two games of the 2014 season after being activated from the teams practice squad. He played a total of nine snaps but failed to register a reception. In 2012 he spent time with two teams’ practice squad units. Robinson has shown in practice that he could be valuable to the team at the position but he isn’t likely to get many chances outside of training camp and isn’t viewed as a 3rd tight-end just yet. He too will have tough competition in camp.

Tim Semisch

A standout at his post-draft rookie tryout, Semisch has impressed the coaching staff all off-season. At 6-8 Semisch could be a huge red-zone target but he needs to continue to perform like he has in OTA’s and mini-camps. The Dolphins like what they have seen so far but once the pads are on their is usually a fallout from off-season performances.

PREDICTION

This years tight-end competition is going to be very good. With Cameron and Sims locked into the top one and two spots of a possible four, competition from the younger players will be hard fought for one or two of the remaining spots. The Dolphins do not have much invested in their tight-ends after the top two so anything is possible. At first glance there is no immediate odd man out of the group.

Lynch has question marks as does Stoneburner and while Gerell Robinson appeared in nine snaps last season he too is not guaranteed a roster spot. Semisch is a legit option given his size and performance thus far and if he can make the squad it would be most impressive.

In the end the nod may likely go to Robinson and Lynch with Semisch starting the year on the practice squad. This of course is dependent on Semisch not falling apart in camp and the other side of that is an impressive camp that moves Lynch or Robinson off the roster. Stoneburner is still in the mix but at this time it’s unlikely he makes the impact necessary to make the final 53.

Miami Dolphins training camp preview: TE’s

By Brian Miller | Jul 13, 2015