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Dolphins Spotlight: Arthur Lynch

Heading into 2014, one of the more interesting positional battles that nobody is talking about is at tight end. With Charles Clay, Michael Egnew, Dion Sims and Kyle Miller already on the roster, how much of an impact can Arthur Lynch have in his rookie campaign.

By Alex Parish
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Potential.  That is the word that should be most associated with fifth round picks, including Miami's new addition at tight end, Arthur Lynch.

At 6-5, 260 pounds and with 33 inch arms, Lynch has the potential to be a better blocker than Charles Clay, while possessing more mobility than 2013 fourth round pick Dion Sims.

Of course Lynch was extremely unfortunate that Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray tore his ACL in 2013.  Had Murray not succumbed to injury, Lynch's numbers could have been much better, and in return could have resulted in him being drafted much higher.

However, from the tape alone, the young tight end won't ‘wow' with his acceleration or speed, but has the potential to be a reliable target on short and intermediate throws.  His great character and hard-working attitude are also traits that will endear him to Dennis Hickey and Joe Phibin.

Those two traits will stand Lynch in good stead considering the competition he'll face.  With Charles Clay the defacto number one option at tight end, the number two spot is up for grabs. Dion Sims is a good blocker but didn't prove his ability in the passing game (although he did make a short receiving touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in 2013).  In contrast, Michael Egnew is very athletic and has the potential to stretch the field.  Until now he is unproven, meaning this will be a make-or-break year for the third-year player. And then there's Kyle Miller, another player than is unproven and someone who Arthur Lynch should be aiming beat out in preseason.

In the immediate future, it seems Lynch's role will be limited to blocking.  However, in time Lynch could prove to be a reliable dual-threat option at tight end, a valuable commodity in the NFL.  Should Lynch become the number two option at tight end in 2014, that will be a great achievement for a player drafted in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

The tight end competition is hotting up, and should be intriguing to watch heading into the preseason games.

Alex Parish is an Associate Editor at The Phinsider. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @AlexParish89.

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