Miami Dolphins: Training camp update, youth movement
The preseason begins this week for Adam Gase’s team. Here’s another update highlighted by the young talent shining at Miami Dolphins training camp.
The Miami Dolphins have seen an influx of young players stepping up huge in training camp, which is the best possible scenario for a team looking to insert themselves into the playoff picture after purging themselves of high paid stars. We’ve already talked about the standout performances of Torry McTyer, Isaiah Ford and Chase Allen. So the focus is now elsewhere.
Related Story: NFL Draft 2018: 5 Best picks of the last five years
The three players to focus on here are rookie tight end Mike Gesicki, wide receiver Rashawn Scott and defensive end Charles Harris. All three guys have been shining as of late and will be much needed assets this season.. Scott is homegrown at “The U” and would be a wonderful addition with targets up for grabs in the passing attack.
Gesicki has been exactly what was expected. He’s was compared to Jimmy Graham both prior to and after the 2018 NFL Draft. That is just what we have seen out of him. He’s been an incredible threat in the red zone and capable of making big plays downfield. He’s already climbed from fourth string to first string in less than two weeks. He’s bodying defenders, getting to the ball at its highest point and tearing it down with excellent body control.
Miami Dolphins
The issue is that much like Graham his game is not without flaws. Gesicki simply can’t block. There are no two ways about it and if you watched his film at Penn State this is a surprise to no one. While he can certainly improve this issue, it will likely take time. At best this season, he could raise his blocking level to below average. However, this will limit his snaps in 2018.
You’ll see him out there in the red zone and on third and long, but you won’t see the team running behind him or trusting Ryan Tannehill‘s safety in his hands. However, it’s hard not to be excited by his pass-catching skills.
Much like Ford, Scott has been a standout over the past few days. He’s proven to be reliable and versatile. After spending last year on the practice squad he is looking to crack the 53-man roster this summer. Always a talented receiver, durability has been his biggest concern dating back to his college days at the University of Miami.
He has been making plays all over the field during training camp. He’s made big plays downfield, including a 65-yarder on Saturday, and has shown the capability of moving the chains with solid route running and strong hands as well.
Lastly, there’s 2017 first-round pick/defensive end Charles Harris because he is one of the players that has been frequently asked about on this defense this offseason. On Saturday, he dragged down the quarterback twice and has flashed throughout camp. With that said, he did blow by the aforementioned blocking-incapable Gesicki.
More nfl spin zone: 2018 NFL Draft: 5 Most likely first-round busts
Nevertheless, it’s a good sign for Harris, although, he’s still running with the second team and most likely won’t earn a starting job by Week 1 behind Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn. That could be deceiving though because Wake will likely see his snaps severely limited this season, leaving opportunities for the other ends. Harris’s real competition for snaps will be Andre Branch heading into the season.