First Practice Boosts Tight End Role on the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins’ first official practice of the 2028 NFL preseason delivered a clear and exciting signal: the tight end position, which has been a secondary part of the offense in recent years, is set to take on a much larger role this season. Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Frank Smith—who built his reputation on utilizing tight ends as versatile playmakers—Wednesday’s practice featured the Dolphins’ tight end group heavily involved in every phase of the offense, from short-yardage pass plays to lead blocking in the run game. For a team looking to add balance to an attack that has relied heavily on wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, this shift could be a game-changer, giving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a new set of weapons to keep defenses off balance. First Practice Boosts Tight End Role on the Miami Dolphins breaks down how the practice highlighted this positional evolution and what it means for the Dolphins’ offensive strategy.

A key highlight of the practice was the standout performance of third-year tight end Elijah Higgins, who emerged as the most frequent target in team drills. Higgins, a former fourth-round pick who has mostly served as a backup in his first two seasons, caught eight passes in 11-on-11 work—including a 25-yard touchdown pass from Tagovailoa where he beat linebacker Jerome Baker in coverage and a crucial third-down reception that converted a long yardage situation. What impressed coaches most was Higgins’ versatility: he lined up as an in-line blocker on run plays, split out wide like a wide receiver to create mismatches, and even motioned into the backfield to act as a lead blocker. “Elijah looked like a different player today,” Smith said after practice. “He’s put in the work this offseason to improve his route-running and blocking, and it showed. When a tight end can do everything we ask—catch, block, create mismatches—he becomes impossible for defenses to game-plan for.” First Practice Boosts Tight End Role on the Miami Dolphins frames Higgins’ breakout practice as a catalyst for the position’s expanded role.

The Dolphins’ focus on tight ends wasn’t limited to Higgins; the entire group got significant reps, with each player showcasing a unique skill set that Smith plans to leverage. Veteran tight end Durham Smythe, known for his elite blocking, spent most of his practice time leading the way for running backs Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane in the run game—helping spring Achane for a 30-yard gain in team drills. Rookie seventh-round pick Brady Russell, a college standout with strong hands, shined in red-zone drills, hauling in two touchdowns from backup quarterback Skylar Thompson. Even second-year tight end Tanner Conner, who missed most of last season with an injury, got involved, making a diving catch in the flat to extend a drive. This rotation not only kept players fresh but also demonstrated the Dolphins’ depth at the position—a stark contrast to recent seasons when they relied on just one or two tight ends. “We have four tight ends who can contribute in different ways, and that’s a luxury,” Smith explained. “On any given play, we can put a blocker, a pass-catcher, or a hybrid player on the field—and defenses won’t know what’s coming.” First Practice Boosts Tight End Role on the Miami Dolphins explores how the group’s depth enables a more dynamic offensive approach.

For the Miami Dolphins, expanding the tight end role is a strategic move designed to fix two key flaws in their offense from last season: overreliance on Hill and Waddle, and struggles in short-yardage and red-zone situations. In 2027, the Dolphins ranked 22nd in the NFL in third-down conversion rate (38%) and 18th in red-zone touchdown rate (56)—issues that often arose when defenses focused all their attention on stopping Hill and Waddle. By adding tight ends as consistent targets, Tagovailoa will have more options to choose from, forcing defenses to spread their coverage and create more space for the wide receivers. Additionally, tight ends like Smythe and Higgins can help in short-yardage situations, either by blocking for the run or catching quick passes to convert first downs. “Last year, defenses knew we were going to target Tyreek or Jaylen on third down, and they adjusted accordingly,” Tagovailoa said after practice. “This year, with the tight ends playing like this, we can keep defenses guessing. It’s going to make our offense so much harder to stop.” For the Miami Dolphins, this shift isn’t just about adding new weapons—it’s about making the entire offense more resilient and unpredictable. First Practice Boosts Tight End Role on the Miami Dolphins examines how the tight end role addresses critical offensive weaknesses.

Another notable aspect of the practice was the improved chemistry between Tagovailoa and the tight ends, a result of months of offseason work together. Tagovailoa and Higgins spent extra time after practice working on timing routes, while Smythe and Tagovailoa reviewed film of blocking schemes to ensure better coordination in the run game. This off-field work translated to on-field success: Tagovailoa completed 12 of 15 passes to tight ends in team drills, with most of the completions coming on quick, accurate throws that allowed the tight ends to gain extra yards after the catch. “Chemistry isn’t something that happens overnight—it takes work,” Tagovailoa said. “I’ve been meeting with the tight ends every week this offseason, going over plays and talking about what we see on the field. Today, that work paid off. I trust them to make plays, and they trust me to get them the ball.” For the Miami Dolphins, this chemistry is crucial, as it ensures the tight ends can contribute immediately once the regular season begins—rather than needing weeks to adjust to their new role. First Practice Boosts Tight End Role on the Miami Dolphins highlights how off-field preparation laid the groundwork for on-field success.

While one practice doesn’t define a season, the Dolphins’ first preseason practice sent a strong message that the tight end position will be a cornerstone of their offense in 2028. For fans who have grown accustomed to seeing Hill and Waddle dominate the passing game, this shift offers a fresh and exciting dynamic—one that could lead to more consistent wins and a deeper playoff run. Coaches and players alike are optimistic that the tight ends can help take the offense to the next level, turning a good unit into a great one. “Today was just the start,” Smith said. “We have a lot of work to do, but the tight ends have shown they’re ready to step up. This is going to be a fun season for our offense.” For the Miami Dolphins, the first practice wasn’t just a chance to test new plays—it was a preview of an offense that will be more balanced, more versatile, and more dangerous than ever before. First Practice Boosts Tight End Role on the Miami Dolphins concludes by noting that while the regular season will bring its challenges, the tight ends’ expanded role has already given the team a reason to be hopeful for the months ahead.