Miami Dolphins: Cornerback battle, rookie updates from training camp

Rookie Update

We also saw most of the team’s top rookies progress on Saturday, and over the past few days for that matter. So far, we have gotten a lot of what we expected from these guys.

Minkah Fitzpatrick got his shot to run with first-teamers on Saturday and looked good in doing so. He didn’t necessarily wow anybody but he held his own considering he’s rookie getting first team reps for the first time in his life.

Mike Gesicki also got some run with top guys on Saturday and, at least to this point, the scouting reports appear to be accurate. On the line, Gesicki lacks toughness and quite frankly can’t seem to block anybody. However, in the red zone, he’s been able to body defenders and rip down touchdowns, which will be his main objective along with stretching the seam in Miami.

Most importantly he seems to have the playbook down fairly well already. Gesicki is going to be what he’s going to be. I made the comparison to Jimmy Graham before and after the draft. He can be a serious playmaker, just don’t count on him being a hard-nosed classic tight end. For that, they drafted Durham Smythe and signed Gavin Escobar.

We’ve also gotten a look at rookie running back Kalen Ballage. He looks to be all business and has his head on right. He’s still firmly behind Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon. Nonetheless, he has flashed and shown some nice ability to break off runs. He’s expected to excel in the passing attack and with straight line speed once he does eventually earn an opportunity.