Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki is making the doubters into believers
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins have to be thrilled with what they have seen so far with rookie tight-end Mike Gesicki. Now fans who doubted the pick are changing their tune.
Brief history. The Miami Dolphins selected Mike Gesicki in the 2nd round of last April’s draft and many fans wanted Dallas Goedert who was taken to spots later. Draft pundits had them pegged close as prospects with Goedert the more rounded of the two.
Fans didn’t like the fact that Gesicki wasn’t much of a blocker and when he arrived for off-season work, he didn’t do much to change their minds. When training camp began Gesicki ran onto his first camp with a logo-less helmet and a member of the third team.
Gesicki found himself behind A.J. Derby, MarQueis Gray, and even Thomas Duarte and Gavin Escobar. The only tight-end he wasn’t behind was fellow rookie Durham Smythe but they play opposite sides.
Then something happened. A.J. Derby hurt his foot and the Dolphins gave Gesicki the shot with the ones. He may not go back after two days of very good practice. In fact, he is becoming a highlight reel for the Dolphins and their fans to enjoy.
Rookie vs. Rookie @mikegesicki comes up with the one-handed grab. 💪 https://t.co/arYk9tuVaX
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 29, 2018
The catch is not the only one that Gesicki has been making. Several of these are happening almost daily and he is getting noticed.
What is more important is the fact that Gesicki is also improving his blocking. Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel tweeted that defensive coordinator Matt Burke was blitzing Gesicki almost every play. He called Burke ruthless. Naturally Gesicki struggled.
Until he didn’t.
Gesicki, thrown into battle with pads on, got his feet right and his anchor right and started to pick them up. His blocking improved and even Kelly mentioned it again on Twitter.
This is the type of tight-end that Miami has needed and it appears they may have finally found that piece that has eluded them for years. There are going to be a lot of bumps in the road and the season could be a long one but there are signs that Gesicki is improving daily and if it continues he could hit the regular season at full speed so to speak.