In a league where offense reigns supreme, the Miami Dolphins have consistently been one of the top offensive teams in recent years. Head Coach Mike McDaniel is known for his innovative approach to the game, constantly tweaking his schemes to maximize the efficiency of his offense. With star wide receivers and a top quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ offense has thrived, finishing number one in football in 2023.
However, there has been one position that has been lacking in productivity – the tight end position. The Dolphins have struggled to find elite talent at tight end, with their passing game primarily relying on their wide receivers. In fact, Miami ranked last in total targets to tight ends last season, despite their overall offensive success.
Former tight end Mike Gesicki was the closest thing to a standout at the position, but even he couldn’t surpass 400 receiving yards in a season under McDaniel. This lack of production presents a major opportunity for improvement within the league’s top offense.
Enter Jonnu Smith, the Dolphins’ early free agent signing who brings a new level of playmaking ability to the tight end position. Smith is known for his versatility, lining up all over the field and making plays after the catch. Pro Football Focus has even labeled him as a potential sleeper for the upcoming season, highlighting his impressive stats from last year.
With Tagovailoa throwing to him and the attention on star wide receivers, Smith has the opportunity to shine and elevate the Dolphins’ offense to a new level. It will be up to McDaniel and the offensive staff to fully utilize Smith’s skill set and maximize his potential on the field. If history is any indication, Smith could be primed for his best season yet in Miami.
