Receiver Ezukanma hoping for a chance; where he stands. And Dolphins notes
When the Dolphins signed Braxton Berrios and Robbie Chosen in recent months, it was natural to wonder whether second-year receiver Erik Ezukanma would get on the field much this season after playing just 10 offensive snaps as a rookie.
But tight end Mike Gesicki’s departure to New England could create additional opportunities for Dolphins receivers, because Gesicki (at 6-6, and 248 pounds) was essentially a pseudo-receiver in Mike McDaniel’s system.
“I believe I’m ready to play,’ Ezukanma said Thursday after the Dolphins’ second training camp practice.
Ezukanma isn’t as big as Gesicki, but he is Miami’s heaviest receiver (listed at 206) and he and Cedrick Wilson Jr. — both listed at 6-2 – are the Dolphins’ second-tallest receivers, behind the 6-3 Chosen Anderson.
So when starting tight end Durham Smythe is on the bench, the Dolphins could opt for a receiver — Ezukanma or Anderson or Wilson — to take the snaps that went to Gesicki. Journeymen tight ends Eric Saubert and Tyler Kroft also are options for those snaps.
Berrios also likely will get playing time in the slot when the Dolphins opt to play a more prototypical slot receiver.
Ezukanma said he hasn’t attended any tight end meetings but has been receiving some on-field coaching from tight ends coach Jon Embree.
“He pulled me aside and gives me details on what I should do and how I can do it,” Ezukanma said.
He’s working on some of the responsibilities that Gesicki had - including playing more in the slot, where Gesicki often lined up.
Ezukanma characterized that Gesicki role as being “a big body threat, either [going to get a] jump ball, [work] down the field, short passes, being a big target for Tua” Tagovailoa.
And though Gesicki wasn’t used much in pass protection, Ezukanma said he has been asked to work on his blocking “coming off the edge, helping the tight ends with the edge rushers.”
Mostly a boundary receiver coming into the NFL, Ezukanma has grown comfortable in the slot.
“Mike McDaniel is always making sure we have mismatches, with fast guys on linebackers and stuff like that,” Ezukanma said.
Despite a very good preseason last year, Ezukanma’s only playing time as a rookie came in the regular-season finale against the Jets, when he caught one pass for 3 yards. What did receivers coach Wes Welker emphasize to him after this season?
Getting a handle on “all-around details, getting better with my craft and mastering the playbook in all facets,” he said. “I’m 10 times better [now, knowing], like 90 percent on the playbook and knowing exactly what I’m doing.”
The former fourth-round pick out of Texas Tech, who impressed Welker in a workout before the NFL Draft, said his favorite route is a “fade or post. I feel 50-50 balls is for me 80-20.. I usually make them.”
THOMPSON IMPRESSES
Skylar Thompson is seemingly being given a chance to compete with veteran Mike White for the No. 2 quarterback job, and Thompson had an impressive stretch during Thursday’s practice, when he completed two deep passes, and made two other strong throws, over several minutes.
The longest one went to Berrios for a 68-yard catch and run; Berrios ran the last 30 yards or so for a touchdown, beating Cam Smith.
“I love Skylar,” receiver Jaylen Waddle said. “I love how confident he is. He has a strong arm and he knows it. He can make every throw. I love his game.”
COOK TO VISIT JETS
Running back Dalvin Cook, who has flirted with the Dolphins throughout the offseason, will visit the Jets this weekend and reportedly might also visit the Patriots.
The Dolphins have expressed some interest in Cook throughout the season - including a trade inquiry with the Vikings in the spring - but have never made an aggressive pursuit to sign him.
They called after Cook was released by the Vikings last month, but Miami’s financial vision wasn’t close to anything that Cook had in mind.
WHO’S HOT
Several young Dolphins defenders who flashed Thursday. Kader Kohou, coming off a strong rookie season, showed great anticipation in picking off a Tua Tagovailoa pass in 7 on 7 drills, on a throw intended for Tyreek Hill. That was the only interception of the day.
Rookie safety Ethan Bonner made two impressive pass breakups, including one on Hill. Rookie edge player Mitchell Agude (the former Miami Hurricane) and second-year edge player Cam Goode had sacks. Rookie linebacker Aubrey Miller is around the ball a lot.
WHO’S NOT
The rookie tight ends. Sixth-round pick Elijah Higgins has two drops early in camp, and Julian Hill has one.
FRIDAY’S PRACTICE
The Dolphins will hold their third session of training camp at 10:45 a.m. on Friday in Miami Gardens, but it’s closed to the public. The team will take Saturday off before practicing for the first time in front of fans on Sunday.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“That’s classified; can’t tell you all that. Hopefully you can see these arms and legs” – a bulked-up Jaylen Waddle, when asked his new weight. The Dolphins list him at 185, the same as Berrios and Chosen; they are the three lightest receivers on the team.
This story was originally published July 27, 2023 at 2:54 PM.
