Mike Gesicki fits the NFL’s prototype tight-end

The Miami Dolphins selected Mike Gesicki in the second round of the 2018 Draft. Could he be the next great thing at tight end?

The Dolphins haven’t had good luck with tight ends in recent memory. The team has signed or drafted plenty of tight ends with high expectations. They have all come and gone without leaving much of an impression, but there’s a new kid on the block that will buck that trend.

Mike Gesicki, TE from Penn State. That’s the tight end of the future. It’s not just the Dolphins’ future, but the NFL’s future. In the golden age of the quarterback, tight ends are now some of the biggest beneficiaries. QBs love the big, athletic tight ends that can move the chains and catch touchdowns in the red zone. Gesicki will be that guy for the Dolphins for years to come.

Gesicki is a rookie so he’s still unproven at the professional level, but he has an impressive resume and boasts a high ceiling. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school, playing basketball and volleyball, along with football. Recruiters, scouts, and coaches are always looking for this type of versatility.

Fans are familiar with players like Rob Gronkowski, Jimmy Graham, and Travis Kelce who have electrified offenses and created a demand for the next big-name tight. Compare them to Gesicki. Notice anything? Those three guys are all uber-athletic and had experience with multiple sports in high school or college. That already bodes well for the Dolphins because they haven’t had a dynamic talent like that since…uh, Charles Clay, maybe.

So, Gesicki has athleticism. We have that established. Another factor that will play into his success is Jarvis Landry’s exit. Landry was a target monster and with the new receiving corps, Gesicki will quickly become one of Ryan Tannehill’s favorite go-to guys. It also helps that the offense will be catered for his success with two tight end sets.

Tight end has long been a problem, but it seems the Dolphins are lining their ducks in a row by featuring Gesicki as a main cog in the offense. I look for Gesicki to have a similar impact as a rookie as Evan Engram did last year with the Giants. Then, from there, the sky’s the limit.