2014 NFL Draft: Georgia Bulldogs TE Arthur Lynch selected by Miami Dolphins in fifth round

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Arthur Lynch (88) runs against Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Blake McClain (24) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Kentucky 59-17. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

In a bit of a surprising development, it was not quarterback Aaron Murray that earned that honor of the first player from the University of Georgia to be drafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. Instead, stud tight end Arthur Lynch was the first off the board, as he was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 155th overall pick.

Lynch was the eighth tight end drafted in this class, which was actually a positive when compared to the general opinion of him by pundits coming into the process. ESPN’s Scouts, Inc. ranked Lynch as the 11th tight end and the 218th player overall, but in the end, production and consistency apparently was enough to get him a gig in South Florida.

During the 2013 season, Lynch was a safety outlet for Murray, and he caught 30 passes for 459 yards and five touchdowns, and in Miami, he’ll have every opportunity to earn playing time. The Dolphins have a quality starter in Charles Clay in front of Lynch, but aside from that, there is little in the way of stability, and it will be interesting to see if he can make his way into the playing rotation as a rookie.

Congratulations to Arthur Lynch!