Summary

Mike Gesicki was selected in Round 2 (#42 Overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Penn State University. Gesicki left the Nittany Lions as one of the most productive receivers at his position, totaling 129 receptions for 1,481 yards and 15 touchdowns, while earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors (2017). In the NFL, Gesicki has carved out a career as a pass-catching tight end and red-zone target, primarily with Miami and later with New England and Cincinnati. Through the 2024 season, he has recorded 4,000+ receiving yards and 25+ touchdowns, including a 2021 Pro Bowl selection during a season in which he posted 73 receptions for 780 yards. Gesicki has shown willingness to adapt roles as offensive systems change and is an elite yapper on the field that can get under an opponent’s skin.

Strengths

• Elite Athleticism: Exceptional size-speed-explosiveness combination for the position. Effective from slot and detached alignments and continues to adapt despite role changes.

• Catch Radius: Outstanding ability to win above the rim and outside his frame. Adjusts well to off-target throws thanks to his leaping ability and 40+ inch vertical for a tight end.

• Red-Zone Threat: Effective on fades, seams, and high-point throws. Generally reliable hands catcher in traffic.

• Mismatch Potential: Sort of a WR/TE tweener, he stresses linebackers and safeties in coverage.

Weaknesses

• In-Line Blocking: Below-average run blocker and struggles holding edge. Definitely more of a space player.

• Physicality at Point of Attack: Can be displaced by defensive ends and linebackers when asked to reduce inside.

• Route Nuance: Relies more on athleticism than detailed route manipulation. Can struggle creating space against man coverage without schemed leverage.

• YAC Ability: More catch-and-fall than dynamic runner after the catch.

Outlook

Gesicki is best suited for pass-first offenses that treat the tight end as a big slot receiver or matchup piece rather than a traditional in-line blocker. He thrives in systems that emphasize spread formations, red-zone concepts, and play-action seams, where his size and leaping ability can be maximized without exposing blocking limitations. Offensive coordinators should avoid asking him to consistently attach to the line against power fronts. Looking ahead, Gesicki projects as a situational TE1 or high-end TE2 whose value is tied to passing-game usage. The “OG Colston Loveland,” while his role flexibility is limited by blocking constraints, his athletic profile and receiving skill remain valuable in modern offenses seeking size mismatches in the middle of the field. With proper deployment, Gesicki can continue to be a productive red-zone weapon and complementary receiver, extending his career as a specialized offensive piece.