The job Chris Grier has done since taking over as the general manager of the Miami Dolphins has been admirable — especially considering he was still working underneath Mike Tannenbaum for his first three years on the job. Grier’s first draft in 2016 featured the likes of Laremy Tunsil, Xavien Howard, Kenyan Drake, Jakeem Grant and others. Miami’s 2017 and 2018 drafts also brought notable starting talent, a strong indication that the team’s new commitment to building through the draft can take hold.
But it isn’t all rainbows and sunshine for Miami’s early draft picks. Two high selections in particular currently loom as missed opportunities for Grier. 2017 first-round selection Charles Harris and 2018 second-round selection Mike Gesicki have yet to meet the expectations that come with such lofty draft spots.
And despite the praise each player has received thus far this summer, it isn’t showing up on the practice field for Miami in 2019.
Harris has been getting consistent work with the first-team defense, but his ability to beat blocks has continued to be non-existent. Laremy Tunsil has stonewalled Harris at every turn. Things have gotten so bad that Harris’ losses in defending the line of scrimmage now include none other than Mike Gesicki.
Gesicki flashed on the first day of camp with a leaping one-handed catch in the red zone, but he’s reportedly still struggling to play physically and getting pushed around in his route releases and get push up front. Unless, of course, he’s going against Harris.
Gesicki is getting out-paced by veteran TE Nick O’Leary and fellow 2018 draftee Durham Smythe despite adding 13 pounds of muscle onto his frame over the offseason.
Things are trending well at several positions in Dolphins camp, but they’re not looking up for either one of Miami’s flubbed early picks over the last four NFL Drafts.
