Mike Gesicki trending in right direction for the Dolphins

After being drafted in the second round out of Penn State, the Dolphins had high expectations for Mike Gesicki.

Every team is searching for the next Rob Gronkowski or Travis Kelce and the Dolphins thought Gesicki, the 23-year old from Lakewood New Jersey, could fit that mold.

Mike Gesicki had a subpar 2018 season with Adam Gase at the helm. He finished with just 22 receptions for 202 yards, but nobody was expecting him to come in and perform as a top-tier tight end as rookie.

Under a new staff lead by Brian Flores, the Dolphins are focused on developing young talent and tight ends coach George Godsey is liking what he sees from the second-year tight end.

Where has Gesicki made the most progress?

“He’s had a good preseason – both the run game and pass game,” Godsey said. “His conditioning is improving throughout the course of not only spring, but the fall. He’s got an upward trend right now. He’s caught some passes in the preseason, made some big plays. Of course, now is when it counts.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml-r_GJ3RF0

How high is his ceiling?

“He’s a young player, so there’s a lot of room to improve,” Godsey said. “Obviously, there are some things we’re doing with him now that he’s unfamiliar with from college. For everybody, there’s a certain growth period, especially as you get into the league, not only learning your role, but the personnel and how to study the opponent and how you fit into the game plan and then performing when your number is called.”

How does added weight help Gesicki with technique?

“All that goes together – technique, physical stature and then getting open at the top of the route. All of that stuff really is important when you’re running routes,” Godsey said. “At this level, one of them can’t just be your strength. You have to excel in all those different phases of running routes. Mike is learning that. And then you have to catch the ball. All of that stuff really factors into it. You can run a great route, you can get open, and then if you don’t finish the play, then it’s all for naught. It’s the same thing – if you can’t get open, then you’re not even an option. He understands that and I think all of those things are going to help him become a better player.”

Mike Gesicki is listed as Miami’s starting tight end as the Dolphins welcome the Baltimore Ravens to Hard Rock Stadium for week one of the NFL season on Sunday.

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