Two of the NFL Combine’s Best Tight End Prospects Are Descended from Former Dolphins
The NFL Scouting Combine is a time when college athletes from all over the country converge in Indianapolis to showcase their physical skills and mental acuity. Scouts, coaches, and general managers are all eager to discover the next generation of stars who will make a significant impact in the league. While this event is full of prospects vying for the NFL spotlight, some players have compelling family stories that add an extra layer of intrigue. Among the top tight end prospects in the 2025 draft class, two stand out not just because of their talents on the field, but also due to their family ties to the NFL—specifically, the Miami Dolphins.
These two players, who have already made a name for themselves as elite athletes, share a unique connection to the Dolphins, a franchise that has had a significant history of success in the NFL. While their familial connection might provide an extra narrative for fans and analysts to latch onto, the real story is the players themselves, their potential, and the legacies they are building in the football world.
Tight End Prospects: Legacy Meets Talent
Tight ends in the NFL combine a rare combination of size, strength, and speed. These athletes need to be versatile enough to block in the running game, yet athletic enough to serve as a legitimate receiving threat in the passing game. For years, the tight end position has seen players dominate, from the likes of Tony Gonzalez and Rob Gronkowski to Travis Kelce and George Kittle. Now, the future of the position looks to be in the hands of a new generation of stars, many of whom are standing out in Indianapolis.
In 2025, two of the most talked-about tight end prospects share more than just their exceptional physical attributes—they also share a connection to the Miami Dolphins. These two players, born into families with deep ties to the franchise, are looking to carve out their own legacies in the NFL.
A Legacy to Build On: The Daughters of the Dolphins
The Dolphins have a rich history in the NFL, dating back to their inception in 1966. As a franchise, they have had their share of iconic players, including Hall of Fame legends like Dan Marino, Larry Csonka, and Jason Taylor. The Dolphins’ success has also included some remarkable contributions from tight ends over the years. Players such as Keith Jackson and Randy McMichael have etched their names into the annals of Dolphins history.
For the two tight end prospects in question, the Dolphins’ legacy is more than just a shared history—they are the sons (or grandsons) of former Dolphins players, which brings a fascinating generational aspect to their careers. These family connections to the team offer the potential for the next generation to continue a tradition of success, but it also means these young athletes have big shoes to fill.
The First Prospect: Noah Ferguson—Tight End with a Family Legacy
Noah Ferguson is the first of the two standout tight end prospects with direct ties to the Dolphins. Ferguson, a standout at the University of Georgia, has been turning heads for years with his size, speed, and impeccable route-running. Standing 6’5″ and weighing 255 pounds, Ferguson brings a physical presence to the field that will make him a tough matchup for any defender. However, what makes Ferguson’s story even more interesting is his familial connection to the Dolphins.
Ferguson is the grandson of legendary Dolphins wide receiver Mark Clayton. Clayton was part of the iconic “Marks Brothers” duo alongside wide receiver Mark Duper, which helped lead the Dolphins to playoff appearances in the 1980s. Clayton, who played for Miami from 1983 to 1992, was one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the NFL during his tenure. He made four Pro Bowls and was known for his speed and ability to stretch the field. Though Ferguson plays tight end, not wide receiver, his family’s football legacy is undeniable.
Growing up with Clayton’s influence, Ferguson was exposed to the intricacies of NFL football from an early age. Clayton’s mentorship and guidance have shaped Ferguson’s approach to the game, and it’s clear that Ferguson’s football IQ, combined with his athleticism, is what has made him one of the most exciting tight end prospects in the draft.
During his time at Georgia, Ferguson became known for his ability to stretch the field vertically, an area where many tight ends struggle. He showed remarkable consistency in catching passes across the middle of the field and had the ability to break tackles and pick up additional yards after the catch. This versatility allows him to contribute in both the passing and running game, an essential trait for any NFL tight end.
Ferguson’s frame also sets him apart. His blend of size and athleticism has had NFL scouts buzzing. With a 40-yard dash time of 4.55 seconds, Ferguson’s speed places him among the elite prospects at the position. Combine that with his natural route-running ability and strong blocking skills, and Ferguson is the total package. He can help out in the trenches as a blocker, but when the ball is in his hands, he has the potential to be a big-play threat downfield.
Having a family member like Mark Clayton certainly adds some pressure, but Ferguson has embraced that pressure as motivation. In interviews, he has expressed his desire to create his own identity as a player while honoring the legacy his grandfather built with the Dolphins. While he’s proud of his family’s football history, Ferguson is determined to show that he has what it takes to succeed on his own merit.
The Second Prospect: Jacob Clay—Tight End with Dolphins Bloodlines
The second tight end prospect with Dolphins ties is Jacob Clay, the son of former Dolphins linebacker Bob Kuechenberg. Bob Kuechenberg was an integral part of the Dolphins’ offensive line during the 1970s, helping pave the way for Miami’s dominant running game that included the great Larry Csonka. Kuechenberg was part of the Dolphins’ historic 1972 perfect season, which remains one of the most celebrated achievements in NFL history. He was known for his toughness, versatility, and leadership on the field—traits that have seemingly been passed down to his son Jacob.
Unlike Ferguson, who grew up under the influence of a former wide receiver, Clay’s father was a key figure in the trenches. This has likely had a major impact on Jacob’s approach to the game, particularly in terms of his blocking ability. Tight ends are often asked to block in both the running game and in pass protection, and Clay’s physicality in this department is what has impressed scouts.
Clay stands at 6’6″ and weighs 250 pounds. He has shown excellent agility for his size, and his ability to engage defenders and move them off the line has caught the attention of NFL teams. Much like Ferguson, Clay has also shown the ability to make plays in the passing game. Though he might not be as fast as Ferguson, Clay’s ability to create mismatches in the middle of the field has made him a reliable target in college.
One of Clay’s biggest assets is his work ethic, which he attributes to his father’s example. Growing up watching his father play in the NFL, Clay learned about toughness and the importance of doing the little things. Whether it was blocking on the line or catching passes in critical moments, Kuechenberg instilled in his son the value of making an impact whenever called upon. Clay’s versatility as a blocker and receiver is what will make him a valuable asset at the next level.
The NFL Combine: A Platform for Both Players to Shine
Both Ferguson and Clay arrived at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine with high expectations. Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the most talented tight ends in the draft, with scouts praising his ability to excel in both receiving and blocking roles. Clay, on the other hand, has impressed teams with his physicality and work ethic. Though not as flashy as some of the other prospects, his ability to contribute in all phases of the game has earned him a lot of respect.
At the Combine, both players had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of NFL decision-makers, and they took full advantage of the stage. Ferguson’s agility and speed were on full display as he ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash and showed great fluidity in his route-running drills. Clay’s bench press numbers were strong, showcasing his upper-body strength, and his blocking drills demonstrated the techniques he has honed over the years.
The Combine may only be one piece of the puzzle, but it was an important moment for both Ferguson and Clay. For both prospects, the Combine represents an opportunity to continue building on their legacies while creating their own paths to NFL success.