Miami Dolphins post draft positional power rankings

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Head Coach Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins takes the field against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 13: Head Coach Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins takes the field against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Nov 1, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki (88) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki (88) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Coming into the 2021 off-season no one really expected the Miami Dolphins to do much with their tight ends. Speculation in the days leading up to the draft had Miami targeting Kyle Pitts at six overall but that didn’t happen as Pitts was drafted at four. Miami would, however, add a TE in round three.

Hunter Long was a surprise selection but he may be a bigger surprise on the field. He plays well and has good hands. He is a polished route runner and has enough speed to keep defenses honest. He also is more well-rounded than Mike Gesicki in the blocking department.

Gesicki and Durham Smythe are both heading towards potential free agency after the 2021 season so Long represents an insurance policy of sorts in case Miami opts not to keep them both or loses one of them.

The Dolphins added Cethan Carter in free agency. The five-year vet adds quality depth but will find it hard to get on the field in a starting role. Miami will have to make a decision on Chris Myarick and it looks like he may not make the roster. Adam Shaheen was signed to an extension last year but his contract isn’t something Miami couldn’t easily get out of.

More than likely, Miami will keep four TEs, and Gesicki, Long, and Shaheen will make up three of those four leaving Carter, Smythe, and Myarick competing for the final spot.