Exploring the Draft: Running Backs

Mike Tannenbaum and company face the daunting task of patching up glaring holes at running back, cornerback, linebacker and defensive line. The pressure is on for the team to add at least three potential starters while shoring up the noticeable lack of depth in 2016. Despite the multiple needs, running back should be the primary focus with the 13th overall pick.

When Lamar Miller departed for Houston, the Dolphins found themselves taking another hit to an already depleted roster. After signing a 4 year, $26 million contract, the organization attempted to rebound but failed in their attempts to land C.J. Anderson or Chris Johnson, after both players resigned with their former teams.

Now that the Philadelphia Eagles have landed the second overall pick, the organization finds themselves in good position to scoop up the cream of this year’s crop of running backs, Ezekiel Elliott of OSU. Before pulling off the monster trade with the Cleveland Browns, rumors swirled that Miami would need to trade up in order to land the former Buckeye’s superstar.

Not only would Elliot fill a need, but allows the Dolphins to utilize a more balanced approach on offense. A backfield featuring Elliot, Ajayi and Williams would take pressure off Tannehill, while providing Adam Gase plenty of offensive weapons to attack opposing defenses.

Possessing all the characteristics of a franchise back, Zeke combines 4.4 speed and a 6-0, 225 pound frame that punishes defenders. Exploring the draft’s other options like Derrek Henry, DeVontae Booker, Kenyon Drake and Alex Collins, its clear that no one matches the blend of vision, athleticism, strength, and skill set to be a three down back. The truth is that Miami has not had a dominant rushing attack since the days of Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. They were a great combo!

Lamar Miller would have been a solid tandem back to the bruising style of Jay Ajayi but the organization stuck to their price point and let him walk away in free agency. I was on the fence on resigning Miller. We’ll see if they made the right decision on him or not!

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