After going through the early parts of free agency and all seven rounds of the NFL draft, the Miami Dolphins did little to address their clear need for a top tight end.
They signed veteran Eric Saubert, drafted Elijah Higgins and signed undrafted free agent Julian Hill, but this still left Durham Smythe as the top option with the three newcomers, and 2022 undrafted free agent Tanner Conner, filling out the rest of the depth chart.
On Tuesday, Miami found another veteran tight end to bring in, agreeing to a one-year deal with Tyler Kroft.
Kroft, in his eight-year career that’s been spent with four different franchises, has recorded just 105 receptions for 1,081 yards and 13 touchdowns. Those numbers don’t exactly blow anyone away.
However, the 30-year-old spent 2022 with the San Francisco 49ers, so he should be generally familiar with the Dolphins’ offensive scheme, as head coach Mike McDaniel brings many of the same concepts as his teacher, Kyle Shanahan.
Where Kroft has excelled is as an in-line blocker. Last season, he was a run-blocker on 165 of his 238 snaps. If he had qualified for Pro Football Focus’ league leaders, his 71.2 run-block grade would’ve ranked third among all tight ends behind only the Baltimore Ravens’ Isaiah Likely and the Minnesota Vikings’ Josh Oliver.
Blocking is so important in McDaniel’s offense, and it was a big reason why Mike Gesicki didn’t really fit the mold last year and was allowed to leave in free agency this offseason.
Kroft may not be the sexiest pickup, but he could certainly fill a role in Miami in 2023.
