The Miami Dolphins were surely thrilled to see former 2nd-round draft pick Mike Gesicki break out in a big way in 2019. After an underwhelming start to his career under the watch of former head coach Adam Gase, the Dolphins were much more sufficient in putting Gesicki in positions to be successful under the watch of Brian Flores — and he rewarded the team with a much better season in the passing game.
Just how good was Mike Gesicki in 2019?
He turned in one of the best statistical seasons for a tight end in franchise history, for starters. The tight end position isn’t one that has yielded loads of production over the years despite the modernization of the position and improved output from receiving targets at the position.
And Gesicki’s 2019 campaign is one of just seven individual seasons for Miami Dolphins tight ends that successfully logged in excess of 500 yards receiving and at least 5 touchdowns. Here’s the full list:
- Charles Clay (2013): 759 yards, 6 touchdowns
- Keith Jackson (1994): 673 yards, 7 touchdowns
- Keith Jackson (1993): 613 yards, 6 touchdowns
- Keith Jackson (1992): 594 yards, 5 touchdowns
- Randy McMichael (2005): 582 yards, 5 touchdowns
- Larry Seiple (1969): 577 yards, 5 touchdowns
- Mike Gesicki (2019): 570 yards, 5 touchdowns
If there’s progression for Gesicki from year two to year three, we may well end up seeing the best single season for a Miami Dolphins tight end yet. And, considering how young and athletic the former Penn State target is, there’s optimism that we can get there — even if new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey has not traditionally made the most of tight ends in his passing offense. A bigger trend than tight end numbers is that the best players get the football the most — and Gesicki is the team’s second best option in the passing attack for the upcoming 2020 season.