Deep tight ends for Miami Dolphins will create competition

The Miami Dolphins will have some exceptional competition at the tight end position this year and the addition of Hunter Long is only part of it.

When the Miami Dolphins drafted Hunter Long in round three of April’s draft, fans were shaking their head but after running to the college stat sheets and highlight clips, they realize that there is something that could be special about Long.

The Dolphins have added quite a few TEs this off-season but skipped the high-profile run that the Patriots took in free agency with Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry.

For years Miami fans have wanted to see the Dolphins invest in the position. They had tried, mostly unsuccessfully, until they drafted Mike Gesicki in 2018. Remember names like Thomas Duarte, Dion Sims, Arthur Lynch, John Nalbone, and who could forget Michael Egnew? Now, fans are mocking Miami for adding players that could compete for playing time.

The Dolphins currently have seven players on their roster at the position, including unsigned Long. That’s a lot even for the Dolphins but this year, they may have a few reasons why.

Mike Gesicki is in a contract year. If he is extended, the Dolphins could have two top TEs on their roster if Long develops quickly. If Gesicki leaves, Miami has his potential replacement.

Jibri Blount is a 6-5 former basketball player with no football experience. Still, he is a camp prospect and maybe shows enough to make the practice squad. Nothing wrong with working him through the process to see if he has any of his father, Mel Blount, in him on the football field.

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Cethan Carter was added this off-season and will enter his 5th season in the NFL so Miami has some veteran help in camp who may earn one of likely 4 roster spots.

Miami will also need to make a determination after the year on Durham Smythe who will also hit free agency. He was taken in the 2018 draft as well. Smythe may find himself in the competition this year for a roster spot.

Of course, the Dolphins also have Chris Myarick and Adam Shaheen on the roster. Shaheen got a small extension last season and that could be favorable to him making the roster.

Regardless of who does and does not make it, we know that seven tight ends will not make the team which will lead to a pretty interesting battle as three are likely going to be gone before September.