Dolphins Potential Draft Target: TE Brenton Strange

Scouting report on Penn State tight end Brenton Strange and how he would fit with the Dolphins

The 2023 NFL draft is quickly approaching.

The Miami Dolphins don’t have a first-round pick (would have been 21st overall) due to tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton, but they do have the 51st overall pick, two third-round picks (77 and 85) and two Day 3 picks (198 and 241).

Miami is hoping those picks can help them build on a roster that reached the playoffs this past season for the first time since 2016.

This article series is intended to be an introduction to these players so fans are familiar with a number of options and why they make sense for the Dolphins.

We’ll dive into some simple biographical information, the pros and cons of their game and how they fit into Miami’s scheme or depth chart.

PENN STATE TE BRENTON STRANGE

Basic Background

Career Stats: 70 catches, 755 yards, 11 TDs, 11.3 yards per catch Strange has three years of starting experience but became a full-time starter in 2021. Penn State never emphasized Strange’s role in the passing game, but he did produce in the red zone with his 11 total touchdowns. Strange was voted to the All Big-Ten third team by the conference’s coaches this past season. He was the No. 3 high school prospect in West Virginia by 247Sports and played four years of high school basketball.

Pros of Strange's Game

Strange is an all-around solid player. He’s 6-3, 247 pounds, which makes him big enough to play as a traditional in-line and slim enough to play in the slot. That versatility allows teams to hide their play-calling tendencies, as Strange’s presence won’t tip their hand to the defense. Strange also has good yards-after-the-catch ability. He’s a physical runner, making it difficult for smaller defensive backs to get him to the ground. His speed is a little deceptive, especially if he gets a head of steam first. Strange can win contested catches and make difficult catches in the red zone through contact. This strength of Strange’s game will translate to the NFL game the most in his rookie season

Cons of Strange's Game

improve his strength as a blocker. He’ll need to develop a more advanced route tree at the next level. Penn State didn’t emphasize him in the passing game, so whether Strange can be a featured part of an NFL passing attack is speculation. Strange needs to figure out how to create more separation on vertical passing concepts. He lacks above-average explosiveness, allowing linebackers and safeties to stay in good coverage position down the field. The good news is that his middling blocking and route running can be improved with NFL coaching and proper development.

HOW BRENTON STRANGE FITS THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

Miami’s offense was starving for a tight end capable of blocking in the running game and making plays in the passing game. Mike Gesicki was a round peg being placed into a square hole last season, and Durham Smythe is a good depth player — not someone who should play most of the team’s reps. Strange isn’t going to step in and become the tight end Miami needs in his rookie season. However, his profile projects well to Strange becoming a consistent, well-rounded starter in Year 2 or 3. His ability to win in the red zone and with the ball in his hands gives him a high floor as a receiver. He has the effort and size to be an effective blocker, with some improvement to his hand placement and overall strength. Fans might scoff at the idea of spending another pick on a tight end, especially one who might not contribute early, but the potential upside of finding a cheap starter at such an important position is more than worth it.

Odds Strange makes it to 51

Anything is possible, but Strange is consistently ranked outside the top 50 on most major outlets’ big boards. While Strange should be on the board at pick 51, the Dolphins probably should wait to pull the trigger on him. Their two third-round picks (77 and 88) are more in line with Strange’s talent. The draft is filled with quality tight ends, so it’s possible Strange slips fairly far if teams prefer a different prototype at the position. Overall, Strange can be a quality long-term investment for the Dolphins at a position of need while not breaking the bank on his rookie contract.

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