Miami Dolphins Training Camp Preview: TE Julian Hill
The Miami Dolphins have had recent success at identifying undrafted rookies, and last season Julian Hill was one example. Undrafted out of Campbell University, Hill was part of an undrafted rookie class that saw a trio of free agents make the initial 53-man Miami roster.
He, defensive tackle Brandon Pili, and running back Chris Brooks were selected to the full-time roster last summer. Hill showed promise as a blocker during training camp, which is important for any tight end in the Mike McDaniel system.
Hill is the latest player featured in our series examining players on the Dolphins’ roster heading into training camp. We look back at their 2023 season, how they joined the team, their contract status, and their outlook for 2024.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 251 lbs.
Exp.: 2 Years
School: Campbell University
How Acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent rookie in 2023
Hill saw action in 15 games last season. He was targeted nine times and made six catches for 48 yards. Two of his receptions created first downs for the Dolphins. He played in 35% of the offensive snaps (343) and 23% of the special teams’ snaps (23%).
He got the starting nod four times and was more of a factor with his blocking ability than as a receiving threat. More a run blocker in the red zone instead of a target as well, Hill nor any tight end for the Dolphins scored a touchdown last season.
The Dolphins and Hill agreed to a three-year contract worth $2.71 million, including a $12,500 signing bonus and $42,500 guaranteed. Hill’s contract has an average annual salary of $902,500. In 2024, his base salary is $915,000, which will carry a cap hit of $919,166 and a dead cap value of $8,334.
Hill will join fellow returning tight end Durham Smythe, the Dolphins’ longest-tenured offensive player, and free agents Jonnu Smith and Jody Forston as his main competitors for 2024 snaps.
Other undrafted tight ends will also be in training camp, one from 2022 (Tanner Conner) and one from this year (Hayden Rucci).
Smith could see most of the tight end targets, with Smythe presumably behind him, yet Hill will continue earning his money as a blocker. He is a big help at the next level in run support and shows a physicality that can aid running backs on big runs.
It will be interesting to see how many tight ends are carried, with six of them slated to enter training camp in July.
PREVIOUSLY IN THIS SERIES
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: RB De’Von Achane
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: RB Salvon Ahmed
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: T Terron Armstead
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: LB Shaquil Barrett
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: WR Odell Beckham Jr.
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: WR Braxton Berrios
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: CB Ethan Bonner
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OL Aaron Brewer
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: RB Chris Brooks
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: LB Jordyn Brooks
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DB Elijah Campbell
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OLB Bradley Chubb
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: TE Tanner Conner
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OL Lester Cotton
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: WR River Cracraft
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OL Jack Driscoll
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: OL Liam Eichenberg
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: WR Erik Ezukanma
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: TE Jody Fortson
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: CB Kendall Fuller
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DT Neville Gallimore
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DT Da’Shawn Hand
— Dolphins Training Camp Preview: DT Jonathan Harris
