The Miami Dolphins used one of their four 2023 draft picks to select tight end Elijah Higgins in the sixth round out of Stanford. Unfortunately, while trying to fit him onto the practice squad during roster cuts, Higgins was claimed by the Arizona Cardinals.
For the rest of the season, the Dolphins relied mostly on Durham Smythe and undrafted rookie Julian Hill at the position, so there’s a strong chance that they could be looking for another in this year’s draft.
Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders has already met with Miami and is making it known he’d appreciate it if they drafted him.
“It was great meeting (Dolphins head coach) Mike McDaniel,” Sanders said. “You know how you see him on TV? He’s a really cool guy, laid-back guy. He’s like that in person. It was a great experience meeting him and talking to him. I would love to be in [the Dolphins’ system]. I would have success. They would set me up for success. I would love to be a Miami Dolphin.”
Sanders spent the last three seasons at Texas, recording 99 receptions for 1,295 yards and seven touchdowns on his way to two First-team All-Big 12 appearances.
He’s not exactly the best run blocker at this point in his career, but he could pick up that skill with some work with tight ends coach Jon Embree. For now, he could fill that big receiver, tight end role that the Dolphins could use, especially in the red zone.