Week 1 vs. Tennessee Titans
The Dolphins have a bottom half of the league implied team total in Vegas this week of just 21.75 points and are home underdogs, which could lead to negative game script and more targets for Mike Gesicki. Injuries at the position should also thrust Gesicki into more of an early-season role. As his blocking is poor, he will likely run pass routes on most of his snaps. With no more Jarvis Landry, there's an opportunity here for somebody to step up in this offense, but with rookie tight ends, it's best to take a wait and see approach. Stash Gesicki for now on your bench.
Fantasy Upside
Gesicki is a fantastic athlete with 4.54 speed. At his height and with his impressive vertical, the rookie could be utilized in the red zone for the Dolphins. Jarvis Landry vacated 161 targets from last year, and the Dolphins have only signed Albert Wilson and Danny Amendola to replace him. Only the Ravens have more vacated targets. There could be a sizable role if Gesicki can learn the offense quickly. It's also clear Miami didn't draft him in the second round for his blocking skills.
Fantasy Downside
Rookie tight ends rarely make a fantasy impact, but Evan Engram proved that it could be done last season in an offense that was lacking reliable pass-catching WRs. That could very well be the case in Miami this season with an underwhelming receiving group. However, it should be noted Gesicki reportedly struggled to learn the offense in OTAs. That could be a concern in training camp and the preseason that keeps him off the field early in his career.
2018 Bottom Line
The Dolphins clearly have a need at tight end and used high draft capital to take Gesicki. For those looking to wait to draft a tight end, he's worth a flier in the 15th round.
