Dolphins select TE Thomas Duarte in 7th round

The Miami Dolphins have selected tight end Thomas Duarte out of UCLA in the seventh round (231st overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Duarte is a bit of a tweener between tight end and wide receiver, but apparently the Dolphins have no significant concerns about his ability to make plays in the receiving game.

Thomas Duarte Bio

Position: TE
School: UCLA
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-2
Weight: 231 lbs.

Strengths

• Tweener. Can line up at as a large receiver or as an undersized tight end and create mismatches. Not afraid to be physical and take hits.
• Red zone threat. Scored 10 touchdowns in junior season on 53 catches.
• Smooth. Movement is impressively fluid for his size. Bounces off hits and continues to move his feet down field.

Weaknesses

• Raw. Doesn't quite know how to use his athleticism.
• May be too much of a tweener. Not big enough to play tight end, not fast enough to play receiver.
• Benefited from college system. Had most productive games lining up at receiver against undersized cornerbacks.

Combine Results