Erik Ezukanma is '10 times' better in Dolphins Year 2. Here's why.

MIAMI GARDENS — Erik Ezukanma streaked past a Dolphins defensive back and hauled in a long touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa at a recent training camp practice.

"Ten times better," Ezukanma said this week, when asked about his apparent improvement. "I feel like I'm probably like 90% on playbook and knowing exactly what I'm doing."

Ezukanma, a second-year receiver from Texas Tech, looks faster because he's playing faster.

"He’s probably made the biggest gains from last year to this year," Miami coach Mike McDaniel said earlier this summer, noting last year was practically a "redshirt."

Last year, Ezukanma was bypassed by a few lesser-heralded players, despite being a fourth-rounder.

At times Ezukanma seemed down. But he's rebounded well.

"Preparation," Ezukanma said. "Coming every day with the mindset to get better. Studying and asking questions. Just being attentive to what I got."

The Dolphins' top receivers - Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle - are extremely fast, but small.

Ezukanma is 6-foot-2, 206 pounds, the bulkiest of all Dolphins' receivers. And with the departure of receiving tight end Mike Gesicki, Ezukanma has a big opportunity for red zone and/or third down seam catches.

"Fades or posts," Ezukanma said of his favorite routes. "You know, just 50-50 balls. I feel like 50-50 balls for me, are probably 80-20. So I usually make them."

Ezukanma has such good size he could be considered a big slot receiver/athletic tight end.

Could Erik Ezukanma help fill Mike Gesicki void?

"Just a big body threat," he said. "Jump ball, downfield short passes, just being a big target for to anywhere on the field."

Last year, receiver Trent Sherfield was a key to the running game. His departure to Buffalo could create an opportunity for Ezukanma to make an impact for the backs, too.

Miami Dolphins 2023 training camp: 5 position battles to watch

"I'm always in the weight room, always working out," Ezukanma said. "So I feel like, you know, once the pads are on, I'm not worried about the bigger guys."

Ezukanma had only 1 catch for 3 yards as a rookie.

But this is a player who posted more than 1,400 and 10 touchdowns in his final two seasons with the Red Raiders.

5 Things to Know about Dolphins rookie receiver Erik "Eazy-E" Ezukanma

Ezukanma will compete with Robbie Chosen and Braxton Berrios for playing time and who plays how much could largely be situational.

"I believe I'm ready to play and you know, whatever role I am on the team, I'm going to do it 100%, all the time," Ezukanma said.

Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and Twitter @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Erik Ezukanma of Dolphins impresses Mike McDaniel, training camp observers