Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Revisiting the Miami Dolphins 2021 NFL Draft class

By Pablo Rosero

Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by Miami Dolphins as the number six overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Jaylen Waddle (Alabama) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by Miami Dolphins as the number six overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Dolphins player and Exeter local Hunter Long warms up with his team before playing the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sept. 12, 2021.Hunterlongdolphinspats912 Falcigno 01
Miami Dolphins player and Exeter local Hunter Long warms up with his team before playing the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Sept. 12, 2021.Hunterlongdolphinspats912 Falcigno 01 /

Pick Analysis. TE. Boston College. 59. Scouting Report. HunterLong. 81. player

Could Hunter Long take over Mike Gesicki ‘s role for the Miami Dolphins in 2022?

Boston College tight end Hunter Long was a shocking pick for the Miami Dolphins in the third round as they already had Mike Gesicki, Adam Shaheen, and Durham Smythe on the roster. The pick was seen as a possible sign that Gesicki could be playing in his last season with the team, an idea that’s gaining traction as the two sides have failed to agree to anew deal.

Long suffered a devastating knee injury in training camp that kept he sidelined for a good portion. That theme continued in 2021 as he only played in seven games on the season playing 90 offensive snaps recording a singular catch for 8 yards with 3 targets.

Long was not given much of an opportunity to play, he was regularly a healthy scratch considering the teams tight end depth. He does present upside as a pass catcher and as a blocker, but his role would only really grow if the team lets Gesicki walk.

If Gesicki does walk, it will be interesting since he was clearly one of Tagovailoa’s favorite targets and a perfect red zone threat. If Gesicki is gone in 2022, Long could be in store for a big season, if he can remain healthy.

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