Dolphins OC says TE earned role due to work ethic: 'He's a machine'

Earlier this month, the Miami Dolphins made a swap at tight end. Down to the practice squad went fourth-year veteran Tanner Conner and up to the active roster came second-year tight end Hayden Rucci.

Rucci, 24, spent parts of his rookie season with the Dolphins' practice squad, but was bounced into free agency a couple times. Yet after struggling to maintain an NFL roster spot last year, Rucci finally earned the right to make his debut this season.

The rise up the depth chart is a testament to Rucci's work ethic, according to Dolphins offensive coordinator Frank Smith.

“When you’re looking at developmental players, it’s more of the intangibles are sometimes things that you’re looking for," Smith said. "You want guys who love the weight room, that love the process, because they know that it’s going to be a process for their development to get to play.

"I think [Rucci], he’s a machine with working as hard as he can to get the most out of what he wants to get done. The one thing he has is the physicality and tenacity to him and that was one thing that was evident in the preseason when watching his run blocking. I think that’s just something that a lot of guys – if you play tight end, you love blocking, all right, it’ll show up and you’ll find yourself a way to the field. It’s always a benefit to have guy who love the physical strain of that position.”

Rucci still hasn't recorded a reception in his NFL career. His only appearance in the stat sheet came when he recorded a tackle on special teams. But the Dolphins called on the young tight end to play 22 offensive snaps when they put together a physical, grinding game plan against the Buffalo Bills in Week 10.

According to Pro Football Focus, 29 of Rucci's 39 career offensive snaps called on him to run block. Another four were pass blocking snaps.

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins OC says TE Hayden Rucci earned role due to work ethic