MIAMI GARDENS - When Tanner Conner made the Miami Dolphins' initial 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie tight end in 2022, it opened eyes.

Conner had been a wide receiver, hurdler and sprinter at Idaho State, but his upside impressed coach Mike McDaniel so much he didn't want to risk losing him.

Conner played 13 games as a rookie, but with only three targets and no catches.

Last season, Conner had an injury and spent most of the season on Miami's practice squad.

Conner doesn't have an NFL catch. So why is the 26-year-old from Washington state still one of the most intriguing developmental prospects at Miami Dolphins training camp?

Conner is an explosive athlete, capable of making explosive plays.

"For me to stick at 53 and be a valuable asset, I need to be able to make the big plays," Conner said this week. "I have a unique skill asset where I can stretch the field. I can go bombs over Baghdad, I can do that. But I have to be able to come down with the ball and make those plays with the opportunities.”

Durham Smythe and Jonnu Smith are Miami's top two tight ends.

Miami Dolphins training camp features tight end competition

Conner may be competing with Julian Hill and Jody Fortson for a third and/or fourth tight end roster spot.

"Every year they add guys," Conner said. "I mean, the year before that we drafted Elijah Higgins in the sixth round and we brought in Julian Hill and Tyler Kroft, another veteran, and Eric Saubert. So every year we bring in competition."

Conner is a terrific athlete on a team of terrific athletes, including Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De'Von Achane, Raheem Mostert and Jaylen Wright.

What separates Conner, of course, is that he's posted strong 40-yard dashes (4.50) and vertical jumps (39.0) and broad jumps (10-7) at the tight end position.

That's Mike Gesicki-lite.

Can Tanner Conner do some Mike Gesicki-ish things for Dolphins?

"This year I'm a little bit lighter," Conner said. "I'm around 233, 234. They want me to stay fast, and so that's what I'm good at and that's what I'm going to do. In the past, the heaviest I've ever been is like 238."

Conner understands how important upcoming joint practices and preseason games will be.

"Extremely important," Conner said. "Last year I missed that and lost on a lot of games. Getting one preseason game was awesome, but being able to show other teams what you can do on film, whether it's in the run game or the pass game, is massive. Because if you don't end up here, hopefully you do, but by putting up good stuff on tape, you can end up somewhere else."

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner is intriguing, athletic prospect