Dolphins GM Chris Grier’s revelation on Tyreek Hill. And Grier on Tua, McDaniel, rookies
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier can only visualize what Tyreek Hill will look like streaking down the field, in a Dolphins uniform, in an actual game.
But he already knows this: His practice performance has been scintillating.
“He does something on the field every day that has you shaking your head,” Grier told Sirius XM Radio’s Alex Marvez and Charles Davis, even before Hill caught two long passes — and a short touchdown throw — from Tua Tagovailoa on the final day of last week’s two-day mandatory minicamp.
“Everyone knows the speed and what he does. A phenomenal athlete. Multiple people in Kansas City told me just wait until you watch him in practice and watch the things he does. That’s what gets you excited.
“His love and passion for how he plays, it’s really impressive watching him work. That has been a catalyst. Jaylen Waddle already has been a very good practice player for us. And Cedrick Wilson Jr. [too]. The whole group being around with [Hill’s] energy, work ethic has elevated the expectations. It seeps through to all facets of the team.”
Grier addressed other issues:
▪ On Tagovailoa: “The one thing is his confidence level. He played well for us in the second half of the season. With the players we’ve added around him, it has [Mike McDaniel] really excited. Teddy Bridgewater has been a great influence as well — the two of them, their relationship and their relationship with Mike and [offensive coordinator] Frank Smith.
“The whole offensive side of the ball has been fun to watch. Even defensive guys said they couldn’t believe the transformation on offense and how they’re doing.”
▪ On McDaniel: “Mike was under the radar [in San Francisco]. It’s so impressive listening to him and his thought process on things.”
▪ On communication between the head coach and the rest of the organization, which Grier never discussed during Flores’ tenure but Stephen Ross suggested was a problem during Flores’ tenure:
“We don’t always agree... but we talk through things and always do what’s best for the Dolphins,” Grier said.
“Our coaching staff, the personnel department, it has been a smooth transition. The communication throughout the building with everyone has been great. Mike is a really good football mind and he is who he is, and that’s what I love about him.”
▪ On rookie linebacker Channing Tindall: “He has speed, explosiveness and has a trajectory, an upside where he could hit another level. Tremendous person. Another fast guy with Jerome Baker and Duke Riley. And he’s a tremendous special teams player as well. We love the speed and toughness we’re adding with him.”
▪ On rookie receiver Erik Ezukanma: “Adding a little more size at the wide receiver spot [was important]; he’s a blocker [as well]. Another guy who’s a tough runner, tough to bring down, fights for yards. Just the attitude he plays with is something we were drawn to.”
▪ On rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson: “Skylar is someone our scouts and coaches homed in on. A guy that’s very smart, a gamer, very mature.”
This story was originally published June 6, 2022 at 3:52 PM.
