The Miami Dolphins finished their 2023 campaign with an 11-6 record and made the postseason for the second time in as many years under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, it came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.
While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating different positions for the Dolphins in 2023. Today, we’ll look at the tight ends.
Durham Smythe: C+
With Mike Gesicki departing, Smythe ascended to the top spot in the tight end room, and he had his most productive year yet.
In 16 games, the former Fighting Irish set career highs in receptions (35) and yards (366), but he was kept out of the end zone for the entirety of the 2023 season.
The Dolphins could still use an upgrade at the position, but with his skill set, Smythe did all right in his role.
Julian Hill: D+
As an undrafted rookie from a small school, Hill wasn’t expected to make the team let alone make an impact, but he was on the field for 15 games in his first NFL season. He finished with six catches for 48 yards, which isn’t anything impressive, but it appears that Miami has found themselves a developmental tight end in the Campbell product
Tyler Kroft: F
Kroft was signed this past offseason to compete with a room that was pretty open, and he failed to be a factor in 2023. He played in just eight games, as he was a healthy scratch for most of the year, and didn’t receive a single target in his 43 offensive snaps.
