The Miami Dolphins’ 2018 draft class, once touted as a group of talented prospects with high ceilings, has continued to crumble, with the latest casualty being tight end Mike Gesicki. The 28-year-old tight end was released by the team on Thursday, leaving wide receiver Jason Sanders as the sole remaining member of the 2018 draft class.

Gesicki, a second-round selection (42nd overall), had been struggling to live up to expectations since his arrival in Miami. Despite his athletic ability and size, the tight end was never able to establish himself as a reliable target for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

In his four seasons with the Dolphins, Gesicki caught 157 passes for 1,826 yards and 15 touchdowns, but was often plagued by drops and inconsistent play. Despite his efforts, the tight end was unable to break through as a legitimate threat in the Dolphins’ passing attack.

Gesicki’s departure marks the end of an era for the Dolphins’ 2018 draft class, which was once expected to be a group of key contributors to the team’s future. In addition to Gesicki and Sanders, the class included quarterback Brett Rypien (7th round), defensive lineman Duran Carson (7th round), cornerback Cornell Armstrong (6th round), and wide receiver Isaiah Ford (4th round), among others.

Sanders, a 5th-round selection (123rd overall), has managed to survive the culling of the draft class, thanks in large part to his reliability as a kicker. The 27-year-old has been a stalwart presence on special teams since his arrival in Miami, earning a reputation as one of the best kickers in the NFL.

Despite his impressive performance on the field, Sanders’ future with the Dolphins is uncertain. With a new coaching staff and front office in place, it remains to be seen whether the kicker will remain with the team or be replaced by a younger, cheaper option.

As the Dolphins continue to build their roster, Sanders’ performance will be closely watched. With Gesicki and the remainder of the 2018 draft class gone, the stage is set for Sanders to become a key figure on the team in the years to come.

In a statement released on Thursday, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier praised Sanders for his contributions to the team. “Jason has been an excellent kicker for our team, and we appreciate his dedication and hard work,” Grier said. “We’re excited to see him continue to develop and contribute to our future success.”

As for Gesicki, the Dolphins wish him the best in his future endeavors. “We appreciate Mike’s efforts and wish him all the best in his future career,” Grier said.

The release of Gesicki marks the end of an era for the Dolphins’ 2018 draft class, leaving Sanders as the sole remaining member of a once-promising group. As the team looks to the future, it remains to be seen which players will rise to the occasion and become key contributors in Miami.