Dolphins tight ends: Better, worse, or same in 2016?

After the weekend break, we return this morning with the continuing series taking a look at the Miami Dolphins’ 2016 roster as compared to the 2015 version of the Dolphins. The series takes a look at each position on the roster, and attempts to decide whether the Dolphins have gotten better - on paper - this year, as compared to last, or whether they are worse, or the same as their 2015 version. This look is solely at the names on the roster, not necessarily scheme changes or projections based on what they might do this year. We simply look at the names on the roster, and compare them to the names from last year.

Last week, we covered the quarterback position, as well the running backs group, and the wide receivers. Today, we turn to the tight ends.

Tight ends

Jordan Cameron
Dion Sims
Jake Stoneburner
Thomas Duarte
Gabe Hughes
MarQueis Gray
Dominique Jones

Analysis

Last season, the tight end group was a disappointment, mostly due to injuries and the need to use them more as sixth offensive linemen than as pass catching threats. This year, Adam Gase seems to have a plan to make sure they are more active as receivers, which should lead to better production.

That would have to be where improvement comes from, because at this point, the top three tight ends are the same as last year, with Cameron (35 recs, 386 yards, 3 TDs), Sims (18, 127, 1), and Stoneburner (5, 47, 2) all still on the roster. Rookie Duarte could push Stoneburner for the third spot, and potentially the last spot on the roster if Miami only keeps three. Hughes is likely playing for a practice squad position, while Gray and Jones are both hoping to jump start their careers.

Better, Worse, Same

Same. Nothing changed with the top three tight ends, which means the roster did not get better or worse. Cameron should have a better year in Gase’s offense and with a year of working with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and Sims should be able to be used more as a pass catcher as well. Stoneburner and Duarte have to battle for the last roster spot, but for now, that goes to Stoneburner as the known commodity, and it makes Miami’s 2016 tight end position group the same as the 2015 group.