Will Jonnu Smith Shake Up Dolphins’ Tight End Targets?

Since Mike McDaniel became head coach, the Miami Dolphins have averaged 26 points per game, largely due to the contributions of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The team averages nearly 34 pass attempts per game, with Hill and Waddle receiving around 18 targets per game combined.

The Dolphins’ wide receivers excelled against opposing defenses, and their running backs were heavily involved in the passing game, ranking fifth with 125 total targets in 2023. However, the tight ends were largely overlooked, with only 52 total targets last season, averaging just three per game.

Hill and Waddle will continue to be the primary focus, but the addition of Jonnu Smith could change the dynamic, potentially increasing the number of targets for tight ends. Smith, a former third-round pick, is noted for his speed and dynamic playmaking ability, being the only tight end to reach 20-plus mph as a ball carrier since 2022, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Jonnu Smith reached a top speed of 21.15 mph on his 60-yard touchdown, the 3rd-fastest speed by a tight end as a ball carrier in the NGS era (since 2016).

Smith is the only TE to reach 20+ mph as a ball carrier since the start of last season.#MINvsATL | #DirtyBirds pic.twitter.com/PO2nRfir4b

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 5, 2023

“It’s a lot of familiar concepts,” Smith said about learning Miami’s offense. “I’ve been around this offense for quite some time now – from my first stint in Tennessee and then in Atlanta. So, I feel more comfortable with the terminology and concepts. The transition has been pretty smooth for me.”

Smith joins the Dolphins after achieving career highs in receptions (50) and yards (582) with the Atlanta Falcons last season. He has scored at least three times in four of his eight seasons, with a career-high of eight touchdowns in 2020.

“Man, the sky is the limit with these guys,” Smith said about joining the Dolphins. “I feel like I’ve said this every year because it’s been my honest opinion. That’s just been my career journey and the people I’ve been around.”

Last season, tight end Durham Smythe was third on the Dolphins with 35 receptions, behind Hill (119) and Waddle (72). Smythe accumulated 366 receiving yards but did not score any touchdowns. Smith is now expected to be the top receiving threat among a tight end group that caught 41 passes in 2023.

“This is by far the most explosive, talented team I’ve ever been a part of,” Smith said. “I’m not just talking about the offense, but the entire team. However, this potential doesn’t mean much in early June. We need to keep working hard. We all understand and believe in that. As long as we maintain the mindset of knowing who we are and what we can achieve, and come to work with that attitude, I think we will be very satisfied with the results.”