After adding South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith (pick No. 51) and Texas A&M running back Devon Achane (pick No. 84) on Day 2, the Miami Dolphins had another long wait before they could make their next selection.
On Day 3, with pick No. 197, general manager Chris Grier drafted Stanford wide receiver Elijah Higgins.
Higgins has been projected to transition to tight end in the NFL, which might allow him to play a role similar to Mike Gesicki in head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense.
On Saturday night, Higgins took some time to meet virtually with the South Florida media and answered questions about his collegiate career and future with the Dolphins.
Here’s everything the former Cardinal said:
On his transition to the NFL and potential move to TE:
“I’m definitely willing to make that transition obviously. I’m excited for it. I’m excited to learn the ins and outs of the offense and special teams and whatnot. But to my knowledge right now, that’s kind of the extent of my knowledge. Just transitioning into that tight end role and doing some different things in the passing game and run game as well.”
On if he's played TE in the past:
“No, sir. I played in the slot in high school and through college. I did some stuff on the wing and some stuff in the backfield as well. But I was never in a true in-line position in college.”
On his former offense and his discussions with Miami:
“Yeah, I mean coming from Stanford, I think they utilized me well in the slot running up and down the seam. And then the conversations I had with the Dolphins and the coaching staff were just along the lines of making that transition to playing tight end and the development process that comes along with that. I’m excited about it for sure and ready to get to work.”
On potentially having to gain weight to play TE:
“Yeah, whatever they ask of me obviously. Then from there, just do what’s asked of me and do it to the best of my ability.”
On his blocking ability:
“I would say that I’m aggressive for sure and I’m willing to get in battles, willing to fight other defenders for position on the field and just body position in general, obviously. But I would say I am aggressive, willing to block, willing to get my hands dirty and I’m excited to take on that role.”
On his father playing college football:
“George Higgins is my dad’s name. He played at USF and walked on. Then actually enlisted in the military shortly after.”
On his father's military impact on him:
“Just being respectful at all times. Being humble, being grounded, being present in the moment and things like that. Then holding yourself accountable. Being able to depend on others and allowing them to depend on you as well.”
On what other teams were telling him pre-draft:
“It was a lot of the things on the same line as playing tight end. Different variations and such. But pretty consistent throughout, I would say, almost all of the teams, making that transition to the tight end position.”
On his ideal NFL role:
“I would say just that, to be honest. I’m excited to take that hybrid role on and be a guy that can help out in the run game but also catch some passes and get some yards after catch for the team. I feel like a good hybrid position for me is definitely where I envision myself.”
On his ties to Florida:
“Yeah, I’m actually in Tampa right now. My family moved back here and then my entire extended family is here as well. I’m excited to be back a little closer to home, be near family and be able to see family as well.”
On the draft call:
“Yeah, it was a long process for sure. It was definitely difficult getting into Round 5, getting through Round 6. I was just kind of waiting around and it happened. I would say it’s definitely challenging to describe, but definitely a lot of emotions all at once. I think the ability to be able to process all those different types of emotions with family around was definitely a cool experience.”
On modeling his game after others:
“I would say at this point now that I’m in the league – now that it’s past the draft, I would say no. I’m excited to take on my own identity as a football player and obviously, playing within the role of whatever system the Miami Dolphins have in mind for me. But I’m just excited to create my own identity on the football field.”
On challenges of moving to TE:
“I’m excited for challenges, man. I’m excited to grow. I’m excited for the experiences and stuff, and I’m excited to get better. So I’ll take on those challenges, and I’m excited for them.”
On roster connections in Miami:
“Not that I know of. I threw with Mike White a little bit these past few weeks when he was training in Tampa, but outside of that, that’s pretty much it.”
On conversations with Mike McDaniel:
“For sure. My knowledge of him, he’s just a great dude all around. He seems like a player’s coach, for sure. But the one coach I spent the most time with was the tight ends coach, Coach (Jon) Embree.”
On Jon Embree:
“I love Coach Embree, to be honest. He’s one of the favorite guys I met through this whole process, and that’s in all honesty. So I’m excited to work with him. I’m excited to be challenged, and I’m excited to learn from underneath him.”
