Miami Dolphins: 2013 NFL Draft Prospects at Tight End

When it comes to tight ends, the Miami Dolphins appear to have a bare cupboard.  Anthony Fasano is a free agent.  Charles Clay tore ligaments in his knee on December 16 and was placed on injured reserved soon after.  Michael Egnew has suited up only once during his rookie season, leading many to believe the 2012 third rounder is a bust.

The good news is that Miami has approximately $50 million in salary cap space and five picks in the first three rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft. Free agency offers good talent such as Jared Cook, Fred Davis, Dustin Keller and Martellus Bennett.

If Miami decides to turn to the draft for a tight end, here is a look at potential selections.

Tyler Eifert

Tyler Eifert, Senior, Notre Dame

6'6", 251 lbs, 4.80 sec 40-yard dash

This year, Eifert won the John Mackey award, given to the nation's top collegiate tight end. In 2012, Eifert recorded 44 receptions for 624 yards and became Notre Dame's career leader in both categories, among tight ends.

Eifert is a solid pass-catching tight end and his ability to make catches in traffic had may scouts tabbing him as the top tight end in the nation, before this season.  The only question about his game is his blocking.  In his senior year, he drastically improved his weakness and is now in contention to be a first-round pick.

He is considered more athletic than his predecessors, Kyle Rudloph, Anthony Fasano and John Carlson.

Jeff Ireland may be wary of drafting another tight end with blocking issues after the year Michael Egnew had.

Projection: Second Half of Round 1

Zach Ertz

Zach Ertz, Junior, Stanford

6'6", 252 lbs, 4.79 sec 40-yard dash

Ertz has not decided if he is going pro, but will likely enter after he posted 66 receptions for 837 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2012.  His performance as a junior has him rising quickly on draft boards.

The consensus All-American wanted to play basketball in college but his high school coaches steered him toward football as, "He can't shoot a free throw," his former coach Craig Bergman said.

He has great hands, exceptional body control and good speed for a tank, but currently does not have the functional strength to be a elite blocker in the NFL.

Projection: Early Round 2

Joseph Fauria

Joseph Fauria, Senior, UCLA

6'7", 255 lbs, 4.82 sec 40-yard dash

Fauria proved to be a remarkable red zone target in 2012, scoring 12 times, most recently in the Holiday Bowl.  Fauria has only gone without a score twice in the last ten games and, like Ertz, is climbing the draft boards.

He has good hands and awareness, but his overall game is not polished so, he is a high-risk "potential" player with an ability to create mismatches in the red zone tantalizing enough to vault him into round 2.

His uncle Christian Fauria played in the NFL for 13 seasons from 1995-2007. 

Projection: Round 2 or 3

Jordan Reed

Jordan Reed, Junior, Florida

6'3", 240 lbs, 4.62 sec 40-yard dash

Reed led the Gators with 44 receptions and 552 yards this season.  He was a quarterback in high school and possesses good athletic ability.

He possesses a solid all-around game, which includes strong blocking, but is not as big as some of the other tight ends in the 2013 class. Reed may be better suited to be an H-back in the NFL and may choose to wait one more year for the draft.

Projection: Round 2 or 3

Dion Sims

Dion Sims, Junior, Michigan State

6'5", 285 lbs, 4.76 sec 40-yard dash

Despite missing three games with an ankle injury, Sims had 33 receptions for 451 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2012.

Sims has the size to be a dominant blocker but is inconsistent.  He is not as quick as the other tight ends on the list, but has good hands and can make plays as a receiver. 

His size and potential as a red zone target will intrigue NFL teams.

Projection: Round 2 or 3

Levine Toilolo

Levine Toilolo, Junior, Stanford

6'7", 265, 4.86 sec 40 yard dash

Toilolo served as Ertz' backup, but still caught 24 passes for 393 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Like Dion Sims, Toilolo is big and has the potential to be a tremendous run blocker.

He is probably the least athletic tight end on this list, but has NFL size and can become a red zone nightmare for opposing defenses.

Toilolo may play another year at Stanford, since he will likely be allowed to showcase his skills as a starter.

Projection: Round 3

Conclusion

The Miami Dolphins can definitely use some play-making tight ends.  Miami may be able to address their issues in free agency but it will be much cheaper to find a gem in the draft.

Will Miami resign Anthony Fasano? Will Michael Egnew provide any production? The bottom line is that a tight end on this list can be a real possibility for the Dolphins.

Who do you think will be a catch for Miami? In which round?