Mike Gesicki projects as Dolphins most improved player

Mike Gesicki projects to be the Miami Dolphins most improved player for the 2021 season, according to NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund. 

Using analytics, Frelund has identified one player from each NFL team who projects to improve beyond their past efforts. Frelund’s forward-looking data model takes into account players’ performance trajectories. It also accounts for the scheme they’ll be playing in this season, as well.

“Gesicki was my pick for the Dolphins in this space last year, and I’m doubling down here,” Frelund wrote. “Just two other tight ends earned more receiving yards from the slot in Weeks 11-17 last season than Gesicki’s 269: Pro Bowlers Travis Kelce (341) and Darren Waller (280). In fact, Gesicki’s slot production accounted for 81 percent of his total receiving yards during that stretch. Miami added speed on the perimeter and increased its pass-catching potential this offseason via Will Fuller (free agency) and Jaylen Waddle (No. 6 overall pick). Speed to spread out defenses combined with a prolific slot threat usually yields the separation needed for lots of first downs and touchdowns.

“Just ask the Chiefs. I’m not saying Gesicki is the next Kelce just yet, but the 25-year-old’s slot production potential is primed for disproportionate gains.”

The former Penn State tight end has shown to be a fantastic talent throughout his young career. In 2021, he can create a dangerous duo with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. 

Last season, Gesicki’s receiving grade of 79.4 from Pro Football Focus ranked him eighth among tight ends. While the Dolphins went through a rollercoaster ride at the quarterback position, Gesicki was the sure-handed safety blanket for both Tagovailoa and Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Mike Gesicki believes in Tua Tagovailoa

As Fitzpatrick moves on to the Washington Football Team, questions remain following Tagovailoa’s inconsistent performance in 2020. Alas, Gesicki came to the aid of his quarterback in an animated Zoom press conference.

“He’s dealt with adversity, whether it’s injury or whatever it may be, fought back from that. He’s also dealt with people saying stupid, uneducated stuff about him that they’re not right about,” Gesicki said. “So he’s dealing with that and he’s continuing to work and continuing to come in here each and every day and I’m happy that he’s our quarterback.”

Gesicki is essential to Tagovailoa’s success in this season, and he’s more than capable. As Frelund mentions, the additions of wide receivers Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle will help as well. The dangerous duo should give the former Penn State tight end more room to work.

Could the Dolphins build a mini version of Kansas City Chiefs offense, as Frelund alludes to? First, Waddle, Fuller and DeVante Parker making up one of the best receiving corps in the league. Subsequently, Gesicki would play the role of Travis Kelce.

Yes, they’re big shoes to fill for the tight end. Still, Gesicki’s ceiling is boundless if he continues to improve in 2021.