Story by
Dolphins Drafted the Best Blocking TE and Bleacher Report Expects Will Kacmarek to Pop
- Story by
- Dolphins Drafted the Best Blocking TE and Bleacher Report Expects Will Kacmarek to Pop
The Miami Dolphins selected 13 players in the 2026 NFL Draft .
Most of the attention has been on first-round picks Kadyn Proctor and Chris Johnson , as well as second-round selection Jacob Rodriguez .
However, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox believes tight end Will Kacmarek, who was selected in the third round (No. 87 overall), will be one of eight overlooked rookies who could generate buzz during training camp this summer.
Advertisement
"Miami will count on several of those first-year players to help support new starting quarterback Malik Willis this season," Knox wrote. "Don't be surprised if third-round tight end Will Kacmarek quickly becomes a piece of the offensive puzzle.
"Kacmarek only recorded 23 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns during his two seasons at Ohio State . However, he was also labeled as the draft's best blocking tight end by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department.
"Expect Kacmarek's blocking ability to push him up the depth chart quickly and for his underrated receiving ability to turn heads at training camp. Just because he wasn't regularly utilized as a receiver in an offense that featured Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith, it doesn't mean that Kacmarek doesn't have the tools to be a quality target. With a 6-foot-5 frame and 4.74 speed, Kacmarek should push Greg Dulcich and Ben Sims for early playing time."
Advertisement
Will Kacmarek is a blocking beast
Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Will Kacmarek (89) reacts in the first half of the NCAA college football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
At Ohio State, Kacmarek was known for his blocking prowess. At 6-foot-5 and 261 pounds, he is more of a throwback tight end who occasionally contributes in the passing game. However, the Dolphins may need Kacmarek to become more of a receiving threat this season, considering the state of their offense.
Miami enters the season with questions in the passing game after releasing Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill . The team also traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos .
Advertisement
Greg Dulcich is expected to open the season as the Dolphins' starting tight end, but he hasn't played more than 10 games in any season during his five-year career. Kacmarek could bring versatility to Miami's offense because he can line up as both a traditional tight end and an H-back.
Kacmarek recorded only 65 receptions during his five college seasons. However, don't be surprised if he becomes a focal point in the Dolphins' passing game, especially with all the questions surrounding the offense.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
