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Miami Dolphins: 5 Tight ends the Fins should target in the 2023 NFL Draft

By Michael Johnson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Sam LaPorta #84 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hawkeyes defeated the Golden Gophers 13-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Sam LaPorta #84 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hawkeyes defeated the Golden Gophers 13-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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Mike Gesicki and Hunter Long are gone and the Miami Dolphins need a new star to fill the TE spot. Luckily, the 2023 NFL Draft is loaded with top-notch talent.

The Miami Dolphins had a rollercoaster of a season in 2022, finishing with a record of 9-8 and barely making it into the playoffs. Unfortunately, an injury to Tua Tagovailoa saw them fall short in the playoffs. The Dolphins struggled with injuries throughout the season, but the addition of quarterback Mike White should help fix some of those issues.

Miami Dolphins still in need of TE help leading up to 2023 NFL Draft

Miami Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 08: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins coaches during the first quarter against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images) /

However, there is still one glaring hole on the Dolphins’ roster – the tight end position. In the 2022 offseason, the Dolphins lost their starting tight end Mike Gesicki to free agency. Gesicki was a talented player, but he didn’t fit well with what head coach Mike McDaniel likes to do on offense. The Dolphins also traded Hunter Long, leaving a significant hole at the tight end position.

The Dolphins run a wide zone running scheme that needs a tight end that can block and leak out. They will likely use a lot of 12 personnel groupings with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle being the primary targets. Tua needs a safety blanket in the form of a big target that does not need a ton of targets. Case in point, Gesicki had five touchdowns but only 32 catches for 362 yards and was the team’s leading tight end in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

With Gesicki gone and Long traded, the Dolphins are left with a significant hole at the tight end position. While there are some serviceable players on the roster, none of them have the kind of talent that can take the Dolphins’ offense to the next level. This is why it’s essential for the Dolphins to target a tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft.

The 2023 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a good one for tight ends, with several talented prospects expected to be available, even in the middle rounds.

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