Ranking Miami Dolphins TEs ahead of 2024 training camp

Looking at the Miami Dolphins’ tight end room ahead of 2024 training camp practices, they’re better on paper, provided they’re accustomed to their abilities. There are currently six tight ends on the roster, but only three are likely to make it, at most four. Here’s our ranking of the group with camp almost here:

Hayden Rucci has a chance to make the Dolphins’ practice squad, and that’s probably the best he can hope for when he enters camp. Miami may not be strong at tight end, but Rucci needs experience and development.

In his previous two seasons with the Dolphins, Tanner Conner played in 16 games and was targeted three times. He has no receptions. Conner is unlikely to make the roster, and he may not make the practice squad, depending on how many players the Dolphins keep on the 53-man roster at the position.

Julian Hill caught six passes last season and played in 15 games, including four as a starter. That was a good showing for the undrafted rookie, but this year the competition is a little tougher. If he’s not the fourth TE on the roster, Hill will likely end up on the practice squad and should. He’s talented, but he needs more time to develop.

Statistically, Jody Fortson Jr. isn’t that different from previous tight ends. He played in 19 games and started once, was targeted 18 times and had 14 receptions, four touchdowns and 155 yards. He’s a capable pass catcher and a decent blocker. Fortson joins the Dolphins after spending his first two years with the Chiefs, during which time he was buried on the depth chart. He has enough talent to carve out a spot as the Dolphins’ No. 3 TE.

We would have all laughed if someone had said that Durham Smyte and not Mike Gesicki would still be on the roster six years after they were drafted. Yet here he is. Smythe is the perfect TE for Mike McDaniel’s offense. He’s a solid tight end who blocks and can also catch passes. Last year, he was the team’s best TE – this year, he won’t start the season as the No. 1, but Smythe’s contributions to the team are not only more valuable, but more consistent.

You could argue that Smythe belongs here, but if Jonnu Smith has the season he did last year, the Dolphins’ offense will work. Smith caught 50 passes for 582 yards and three touchdowns for the Falcons. That’s what the Dolphins should expect from him this year in their offense. A better red zone threat than Smythe, Miami should turn to Smith when they’re inside the 10-yard line. Smith was fantastic with the Titans and useful in a bad New England system, but with the Dolphins, he could be an added threat down the seam.