Dolphins rookie TE Mike Gesicki already emerging in camp

As expected when they spent a second round pick on him, Dolphins rookie tight end Mike Gesicki is already showing promise to be part of the starting lineup. And, he’s emerging as an athletic big target for quarterback Ryan Tannehill, especially in the redzone.

During their workout Friday Gesicki made a couple of plays, albeit in a training camp practice, that had the media buzzing:

Mike Gesicki vs. Stephone Anthony in red zone. TD.

Who catches TD passes in the red zone?

— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) August 3, 2018

And, off the same play Friday:

Mike Gesicki is going to be a red zone threat. TD corner of end zone from RT17. Gesicki May have 38 catches, but 8 TDs. #FantasyFootball #FantasyFocus #MiamoDolphins

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) August 3, 2018

We wrote previously that his 6’5 frame and his tremendous leaping ability stood out during the pre-draft evaluation.

More on that pre-Penn State backgournd:

He is a former three sport star at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, N.J. This includes not only the football team, obviously, where he left as school’s all time record holder in almost every receiving category, but he was also a four year volleyball player, too.

Yes, Volleyball. And Southern Regional was in the state playoffs in each of his last two years.

Now, let’s get to the really interesting stuff: Gesicki was also one of the top players in the state of New Jersey in hoops. As in, he was an 1,800 point scorer in his high school career, which is the still the school record. And he helped Southern Regional High win the 2014 NJSIAA State Basketball Championship in his final season.

Oh, and as you can imagine from his volleyball background, Gesicki can leap. Big time.

Here is video from the 2014 New Jersey East-West High School All Star Game, and take a look who won the “Slam Dunk Contest”

So, when the Dolphins saw that above and some of his games and catches for the Nittany Lions, they envisioned what he could be for them, especially down close to the goal line.

After Friday’s workout, coach Adam Gase was also complimentary of Gesicki’s development to this point from the off season to completing one week of training camp:

Dolphins Live: Coach Gase meets with the media. https://t.co/Cz4a6I4Mc6

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 3, 2018

“I think him taking so many reps over Spring and then mini camp’s been good for him. He’s playing fast. He’s not thinking. We have a good feel for some things at least, our starting point with him. What we want to keep working with him on. See if we can really accelerate him and his growth. But right now I like the way they (Gesicki and Tannehill) are working together to make plays.”

So, we haven’t reached the Dolphins first preseason game (with the Bucs next Thursday), but it already looks like Mike Gesicki will be getting every opportunity to make plays for the aqua and orange.

Last Updated: September 1, 2025
Mike Gesicki is now a key tight end for the Cincinnati Bengals, having signed with the team in 2025 after time with the Dolphins and Patriots. For the 2025 NFL season, Durham Smythe and Jonnu Smith are the primary tight ends for the Miami Dolphins.