Dolphins double down on TE and add RB in 4th round

The Miami Dolphins have stayed in their draft slots throughout the draft and the fourth round hasn’t changed as Miami adds a TE and RB.

Miami used their first pick in the 4th round to draft Notre Dame tight-end Durham Smythe and then used their 2nd pick in the round on running back Kalen Ballage of Arizona State.

The selection of Smythe is not a big shock. Many believed that the thin tight-ends on the Dolphins roster needed a big upgrade. On day two the Dolphins added pass catching tight-end Mike Gesicki and now have added a tough run blocking tight-end to compliment him.

Smythe saw limited pass catching opportunities with the Fighting Irish as their offense was geared more towards running with the quarterbak. NFL.com compares him to former Dolphins TE Dion Sims but he seems more like an Anthony Fasano.

Fasano will not likely return to the Dolphins with the addition of Smythe. They share similar skill sets. Smythe will improve the running game and can contribute in the passing game as well but that will not be what he is asked to do a lot of.

The addition of Kalen Ballage continues the Dolphins drafting of running backs in the mid-rounds. They have drafted Jay Ajayi, Kenyan Drake, and Lamar Miller and also Mike Gillislee who is still running around the NFL.

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Ballage was one of the best players still on the board when Miami picked and will likely see a lot of action on special teams. He has the ability to return kicks and is a fast athlete. His versatility is a key as well as he can run and catch but while he is good in both areas he isn’t great at a single one of them.

Ballage is a solid pick that will add depth to the Dolphins roster and will see playing time in 2018 in different roles. Adam Gase and the Dolphins have focused on speed and athleticism in this years draft as well as power with Smythe.

The Dolphins have three more draft picks. One in the sixth and two in the seventh. They do not have a 5th round draft pick but might trade back into that round.