Phin Phanatic
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The Miami Dolphins fill needs in Week 8 Mock Draft

By Pablo Rosero

Oct 15, 2022; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Sean Tucker (34) runs for a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the fourth quarter at JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange running back Sean Tucker (34) runs for a touchdown against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the fourth quarter at JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Arik Gilbert (7) catches a touchdown pass behind Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker De’Rickey Wright (43) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Arik Gilbert (7) catches a touchdown pass behind Vanderbilt Commodores linebacker De’Rickey Wright (43) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Arik Gilbert could be a possible Mike Gesicki replacement for the Miami Dolphins

Round 5 Pick 151: Arik Gilbert, TE, Georgia 

Mike Gesicki’s Miami Dolphins future seems unlikely after this season, and it could be cut short with a trade seemingly looming.

The Mike McDaniel offense asks for a tight end that can block more than he can catch, somewhat of an old school style of the offensive scheme and one that is perfect for San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, a caliber of player Miami doesn’t have. Letting Gesicki walk won’t be the end of the world, Durham Smythe and Hunter Long could improve, but adding a pass-catching tight end is a must in the modern NFL.

Arik Gilbert was an elite tight-end prospect coming out of high school and had a good freshman season at LSU. He transferred to Georgia after dealing with an injury in 2021 and is playing alongside two other tight ends that should be early draft picks in 2023 and 2024. It doesn’t take away that Gilbert (6’5”, 255 Lbs) is a big target that is a natural playmaker.

Gilbert may choose to stay in school another season to help how to draft stock, but, if he does choose to enter the draft, his natural talent and tangibles should be enough to warrant a selection.

The Miami Dolphins add depth to the EDGE with LSU’s Ali Gaye

Round 6 Pick 175: Ali Gaye, EDGE, LSU

With 14 sacks on the season, the Miami Dolphins ranked 30th in the entire league in the category. Their leading sack man, Jaelan Phillips, has only 3 on the year and Brandon Jones, who will miss the rest of the season, has 2 on the year. The Dolphins need to find a way to get to the quarter.

There is still hope that Phillips can become the elite pass rusher that fans expect, but the team should consider the possibility of making a move to upgrade the position.

LSU’s Ali Gaye is an older prospect at 23 years old, but the Dolphins are in desperate need of help at the EDGE position. The 6’6”, 250-Lbs EDGE rusher was the best available player on the board at this time, but this need should be addressed in free agency.

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