This is the second of a six-part series counting down the Miami Dolphins undrafted rookies we feel have the best chance of surviving cuts and possibly making the team. Today we feature a player at a position of interest to most Miami fans – tight end Jalin Conyers.

RANKING THE UNDRAFTED ROOKS

We went back watched the team’s 16 undrafted rookie free agents the Dolphins signed and ranked them all by the chance we think they have of sticking around. Of those 16, six will be featured as players we think have the requisite skills – and likely an opportunity at their position – to make the Miami roster or practice squad.

In our first installment, we featured an offensive lineman in the sixth slot, and today, Conyers comes in at No. 5.

CONYERS FILLS THE RECEIVING ROLE

For those searching to fill the void left at the off-line tight end spot when Jonnu Smith was sent to Pittsburgh, Conyers joins veteran Tanner Conner as the players whose skills fit best. The question is, does Miami want to fill such a role or are they searching for more of a Y in their movement toward physicality?

Conyers, a converted high school quarterback, has the size you would want at 6-4, 265, but in no way does his game tape resemble a player who plays that size.

Last year, Texas Tech used him similarly to how Penn State used first round pick Tyler Warren. They lined him up at tight end, wildcat running back and even had him throw a pass (which he completed for a 20-yard touchdown). The year before at Arizona State (where he played his first three years), Conyers threw six passes and had 22 carries for 92 yards and a touchdown.

But his statistics overall were modest – 30 receptions for 320 yards (10.7 avg.) with five touchdowns and eight carries for 31 yards and two TDs.

MIAMI MAKES CLEAR ITS NEEDS

If you want playing time in Miami, especially at tight end, you better be able to block. Unfortunately, despite his great size for it, Conyers appears to be a below-average blocker.

It’s great that he has the ability to run after catch and his versatility. But the main piece he needs to add if he wants to insure himself a spot on the roster is blocking. It’s a non-negotiable and just as much why Smith isn’t here as his salary demands.  

DRAFT NOTES – JALIN CONYERS

In an effort to make each one of these features brief, we are going to just list the Aqua & Coral Report draft notes, as they were taken, to describe each player’s play in college as it relates to their chances as a pro.

– Good runner after the catch with good hands.

– Does not play to his size in the pass game or run game. Before looking up that he was 6-4, 265, I guessed he was maybe 6-2 and not as big base on his play style and how low to the ground he plays in contested catch situations.

– In high point situations he positions his body well, but does not use length to go up and get the ball

– His 35.5”-vertical does not show on tape.

– He lacks explosion overall and lacks a strong base as a blocker.

CAN CONYERS WIN A SPOT?

Based on what currently exists in the Miami tight end room, Conyers has a shot. If they land a true Y tight end or Darren Waller returns to form in that regard, that shot for Conyers gets slimmer and slimmer.

Conyers’ battle is more with training camp legend Tanner Conner, who flashes just enough every year to stick around. Guess here is that this will be Conner’s final chance to make the plays and then make it to the season so that coaches can decide what to do.

But that doesn’t leave Conyers without a chance because the other tight ends – Julian Hill, Waller and Pharoah Brown – can all block, especially Hill and Brown. Head coach Mike McDaniel, OC Frank Smith and TE coach Jon Embree have shown a distaste for one-dimensional players and unless Conyers can step up his game in the blocking department, he qualifies as one.

At ACR, we see Conyers as a practice squad guarantee with a shot at the active roster if Waller and/or Conner falter. Contrary to some of what has been posted on social media, we’re sorry to say that in no way do we see him as a TE1. The elite traits that he does have do not show up in his game.