The Miami Dolphins could add more depth to the tight end position to pair with Greg Dulcich, particularly a receiving threat, since the projected number two, Ben Sims, is primarily known for his blocking and has only 93 career yards through his first three seasons. The depth also weakened this offseason, as Darren Waller remains unsigned while pondering his future. Additionally, Julian Hill joined the New England Patriots.
Because of this, the Dolphins could select a tight end in the upcoming draft.
Miami Dolphins host a rising TE prospect with over 1,900 career yards
NC State Wolfpack, Justin Joly
Sep 11, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) catches a pass against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in second half at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Luke Jamroz-Imagn Images
According to Arye Pulli of Sports Illustrated, the Dolphins will host former UConn and NC State standout Justin Joly for a 30-visit. He is a solid receiving prospect with over 1,900 career receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in college who possesses strong hands with a relatively low drop rate, is a weapon after the catch, and excels in contested catches and in red-zone and goal-line situations. As Pulli mentioned, many view him as a Day 2 pick.
However, Justin Joly is a tad undersized at 241 pounds and is a developing blocker, suggesting he may not be used as a traditional in-line tight end in the NFL. Instead, teams will likely utilize him as an F (flex) tight end, whose primary role is a pass catcher, lining up in the slot, outside, at fullback, or in pre-snap motion. During his college career, Joly lined up in the slot 53% of the time, compared to 10% outside and 36% in-line, per PFF.
Sources: NC State TE Justin Joly has a busy pre-draft schedule with 7 total visits.
Joly visits the #Panthers tomorrow. He has upcoming visits with the #Bucs, #Dolphins, and #Titans. Recently met with the #Bills, #Broncos, and #Chiefs also.
Many teams have a Day 2 projection. pic.twitter.com/On6G4gzQPN
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) April 7, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his two seasons at NC State
NC State Wolfpack, Justin Joly
Oct 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tight end Justin Joly (7) catches the ball for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Justin Joly transferred to NC State in 2024 after two strong seasons at UConn. Joly had a strong junior campaign, posting career highs in receiving yards while leading the team in yardage, with 43 receptions for 661 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games. He posted three drops, gained 254 yards after the catch, and went 11 of 13 on contested catches.
Justin Joly enjoyed a strong senior campaign, posting career highs in receiving touchdowns and earning First-Team All-ACC honors. Joly hauled in 49 receptions for 489 yards and seven touchdowns across 12 games. He also posted one drop, gained 177 yards after the catch, went nine of 15 on contested catches, and hauled in five touchdowns in the red-zone, including three in the goal-line.
Joly wrapped up his four-year college career, totaling 166 receptions for 1,978 yards and 15 touchdowns in 49 games. He also posted ten drops, a 5.7% drop rate, gained 907 yards after the catch, averaging 5.5 yards after the catch per reception, and went 35 for 53 on contested catches.
Lance Zierlein
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“Undersized pass-catcher with the ability to expand the route tree and challenge man coverage around the field. Joly still needs to polish his route-running but he has the footwork and athletic traits to uncover.
“He doesn’t catch with much hand extension and fights throws on occasion but he makes up for it with impressive body control/catch toughness. His effort and strain as a blocker need to improve. Joly has the ability to contribute as a moveable “F” tight end.”
He projects that he will be a good backup with the potential to develop into a starter.