This morning’s edition of our annual 90-in-90 series jumps to one of the newest additions to the Tight end room. This series is an annual look at the Miami Dolphins’ 90-man preseason roster, one each (almost each?) day.

We start each article with a look at the player’s performance from the previous year, whether that was in the NFL or in college. Then we take a look at how the player will likely do in 2018, with a glance at both progression and regression. Finally, we look at whether the player will likely make the 53-man regular season roster or not.

This year, we have already finished looks at, Wide Receiver Leonte Carroo, punter Matt Haack, safety T.J. McDonald, running back Buddy Howell, wide receiver DeVante Parker, defensive end William Hayes, wide receiver Isaiah Ford, safety/cornerback Walt Aikens, defensive end Claudy Mathieu, linebacker Kiko Alonso, cornerback Xavien Howard, long snapper Lucas Gravelle, wide receiver Danny Amendola, tight end A.J. Derby, running back Frank Gore, defensive tackle Gabe Wright, wide receiver Kenny Stills, cornerback Tony Lippett, and kickers Jason Sanders and Greg Joseph, and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Today we will be looking at the Dolphins second round selection, Mike Gesicki.

2017 Review

Gesicki was a three year starter for the Penn State Nittany Lions. In his last with the team, the tight end recorded 51 receptions for 501 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Why he will progress

Expectations are high for the rookie tight end as the Dolphins haven’t had a competent tight end in years. Gesicki wasn’t know for being a dominant blocker in college and some believe he will struggle with that at the pro level. But word out of camp is he has been willing to learn and get better at his blocking.

Gesicki should have no problems with his receiving skills as he is going to be a nightmare for linebackers and safeties. If he can continue to improve on his blocking, that is a huge plus.

Why he will regress

As I stated above, expectations are high for the rookie. Fans feel like he is going to come in and dominate like Rob Gronkowski. If we look back, most rookie Tight Ends Struggle in their first season. The position is very demanding and most are drafted as receivers with very little blocking expertise.

I don’t expect Gesicki to struggle like another former Dolphins tight end, Michael Egnew. But if history tells us anything is that tight ends struggle in their rookie seasons.

Chances of making the 53-man roster

100%. Gesicki was a second round pick and is a lock to make the Dolphins final roster.