53-man roster prediction: The Miami Dolphins keep these 4 TEs

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates catching a touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bengals with Durham Smythe #81 in the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 22: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates catching a touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bengals with Durham Smythe #81 in the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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The Miami Dolphins are going to have tough decisions to make at tight end where only four are likely to remain come September.

The Dolphins have seven tight ends on their roster heading through the month of June. They may not carry that many into training camp and I would suspect that the Dolphins could trim this unit down further before camp arrives so that other players could be added.

Barring an unforeseen trade, these four should make the roster.

Mike Gesicki: Gesicki is the Dolphins’ best and most proven TE on the roster. He enters a contract year and as such, he may not be in the long-term plans for the Dolphins but for the short term, he is the starter.

Adam Shaheen: The Dolphins gave Shaheen a short extension last year but they like what they have seen in him so far. He will have to show continued improvement in camp this year but I think he will do that.

Durham Smythe: Like Gesicki, Smythe enters the final year of his contract and while he is mainly a blocking TE, he has shown good hands when called on. His future with the Dolphins is uncertain but a good year in 2021 could go a long way to bringing him back.

Hunter Long: Long was the surprise Dolphins pick in round three and has many wondering about the future of Gesicki. Is he an insurance policy in case Gesicki leaves or is he the replacement? We will soon enough find out.

Adam Shaheen
Miami Dolphins tight end Adam Shaheen (80) gets loose for a big gain late in the second quarter as New York Jets cornerback Brian Poole (34) attempts to make a tackle at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, October 18, 2020. [ALLEN EYESTONE/The Palm Beach Post] /

Outside players looking in but likely gone.

Chris Myarick: If the Dolphins keep five, Myarick should get it. He should be able to land on the PS as well if the Dolphins want him. He has talent but he still needs to be more consistent and progress.

Cethan Carter: Carter has four years of NFL experience but he will need to show that he is more valuable to the team than Adam Shaheen who has more experience in as many seasons. His real competition may be Durham Smythe.

Jibril Blount: Unless Blount explodes in camp, he isn’t making the roster and the Dolphins probably won’t move him to the practice squad unless he can show he is better than Myarick. Not having any football experience doesn’t hurt him entirely but it doesn’t help either.