‘Just utilizing my skill set.’ Jonnu Smith’s versatility shines in Dolphins’ win over Commanders
The Miami Dolphins have offensive weapons for days.
Tyreek Hill. Jaylen Waddle. Raheem Mostert. De’Von Achane. The list goes on and on.
But after Saturday evening’s preseason win over the Washington Commanders 13-6, it certainly seems they found yet another weapon in tight end Jonnu Smith who finished second in receptions despite only playing the first half.
“I’m just utilizing my skill set,” Smith said in the locker room after catching all four of his targets for 23 yards.
Since the beginning of training camp, Smith’s versatility has shined. That ability was put on full display against the Commanders: he lined up on the outside, in the slot and even took a jet sweep 10 yards.
“That’s one thing that I’ve kind of made my name on in this league: being versatile and being able to make plays from different spots of the field,” Smith said.
Smith and Odell Beckham Jr. were two of the Dolphins’ biggest signings of the 2024 offseason. They were meant to bolster an already elite unit that led the NFL in offensive yards per game (401.3) in 2023. With Beckham’s availability in question due to injury, Smith will likely be even more important once the regular season kicks off Sept. 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“We look at him kind of as a YAC monster,” Tua Tagovailoa said after Saturday’s game. “He catches the ball and he gets some yards after the catch. He’s very versatile.”
Coach Mike McDaniel echoed Tagovailoa, praising Smith’s “physicality.”
“He’s a guy who really enjoys having the football in his hands and can do some really cool stuff with that,” McDaniel said Saturday. He explained that guys like Smith who are “fast, aggressive playmakers” put pressure on defenses that “will really just try to defend space.”
“I think he’s a great addition to our team,” McDaniel added. “I think there’s a multitude of ways” to use him.
Smith caught more than 200 balls for just over 2,400 yards and 20 touchdowns during his nine year career with the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons. After a career high in receiving yards with the Falcons in 2023, the Florida International University product signed a two-year, $8.4 million contract with the Dolphins in March to build off his success.
“I just thought they had something great brewing over here,” Smith said. “Starting off with the owner [Stephen Ross] down to the GM [Chris Grier] down to the coach [Mike McDaniel] and most importantly, the locker room. Also, it was a fit for me schematically.”
As the McDaniel offense continues to take shape, Smith already appears ready for the role.
“I’m excited to be here,” Smith said. “I’m excited to be utilized and I’m looking forward to contributing along with some amazing players on this team.”
