The importance of TE Mike Gesicki being on the roster

When the Miami Dolphins selected TE Mike Gesicki in the second round of 2018 draft Dolphins fans felt relieved. The relief came because the Dolphins has always lacked a big TE and finally feel like they had one for the future. Last year, the Dolphins brought in Julius Thomas via a trade, but he would wind up being not that TE the Dolphins has been looking for.

Thomas had no impact whatsoever on offense as Dolphins fans became depressed as their hopes of him being a star or playmaker dwindled. The 6 ft 5 in. frame of Thomas did absolutely nothing to spark the offense. The Dolphins front office envisioned Thomas as a big red zone threat that would be able to lure touchdowns, but that wasn’t the case. Last season Thomas appeared in 14 games, including 12 games in which he started. He finished the 2017 season with 41 receptions for 388 yards and three touchdowns. Dolphins head coach Adam Gase envisioned Thomas would be able to replicate the season he had with the Broncos in 2013., a season in which he started 14 games, and finished the campaign with 65 receptions for 788 yards and 12 touchdowns.

It was disappointing for the franchise because Thomas was a non-factor throughout the season. I recall the game against the Saints in London were a Jay Cutler pass was intended for Thomas on a fade route in the end zone and Thomas was unable to outleap a cornerback and resulted in an INT on the opening drive. The Dolphins ended up releasing Thomas, who is still looking for a job.

Here comes the 2018 NFL draft were it was heavily loaded at the TE position. Names like Mark Andrews, Dallas Goedert, and Mike Gesicki were being mentioned as a target for the Dolphins. The Dolphins knew they had to select a tight end in the draft and could not stumble at the opportunity to do so. In the first round with the 11th overall selection, the Dolphins selected Minkah Fitzpatrick from Alabama. Here comes the Dolphins in the second round with the 42nd selection. Both Goedert and Gesicki on the board, Dolphins fans knew that the organization would take a TE. The only question was, who were the Dolphins going to select. Here comes Hall of Famer offensive lineman Dwight Stephenson alongside commissioner Roger Goodell, ”Alright, Dolphins fans with the 42nd in 2018 NFL draft the Miami Dolphins select Mike Gesicki, tight end Penn State”.

Finally, the Dolphins front office had done something right in selecting Gesicki. A lot of fans were happy that the Dolphins had selected a tight end, especially that it was a position of need for the roster. Gesicki, 6 ft 6 in., is the record holder for Penn State for most receptions by a tight end. He finished his career with 129 receptions for 1,481 yards and 15 touchdowns. His most productive collegiate years were as a junior and senior. In his junior year, he finished with 48 receptions for 679 yards and 5 touchdowns. Furthermore, in his senior year, he finished with 57 receptions for 563 yards and 9 touchdowns.

The Dolphins feel Gesicki is their tight end of the future, and that he will become an instant offensive weapon for Tannehill. I highly expect Gesicki to be a part of the offense right off the bat. As of right now, the team’s offseason training program, including organized team activities and minicamp, are going on and now it’s time for Gesicki and Tannehill to get on the same page. The Dolphins will be starting training camp in July and will be able to continue on building on the chemistry. The importance of Gesicki on thriving in the Dolphins offense is crucial. Finally, Tannehill has that red zone target he has been missing since Charles Clay departed to Buffalo as a free agent couple of years back.

In order for the Dolphins offense to take that next step forward Gesicki must get involved and early. Both Tannehill and coaches have to be on the same page with Gesicki. The advantage of having Gesicki on the roster is a plus for the offense and finally turns a weakness into a strength. He has been criticized for his blocking, but that is an area that he knows he must improve on. A lot of expectations for the rookie and heading into the future.

The importance of Gesicki is crucial for the team and must thrive in order for the team to win.

Follow me on Twitter @asimancas305 for your latest Dolphins breaking news and updates