Is it possible that our greatest need going into the draft is RB? I guess that would depend on who you talk to, but even if it’s not the most glaring need, if we intend on running the ball considerably more than we did last season, we’re going to need an infusion of talent and numbers in our RB stable.
Jay Ajayi RB 6’0″ 221
As it stands now, the feature back would be 2nd year RB Jay Ajayi. Ajayi, who played his college ball at Boise St., was considered by many to be a 2nd RD talent. Medical news day of the draft circulated like wildfire and the red flags went up immediately. Apparently, the news was Ajayi had so little cartilage remaining in his knee that he was basically almost bone on bone, at which point it becomes so painful, it’s career ending. Ajayi tore his ACL in 2011, his redshirt season at Boise St. In 2012, Ajay came back slowly from his injury, garnering only 82 carries for 548 yards, 6.7 YPC and 4 TD’s. in 2013, Ajayi figured more prominently, getting 249 carries for 1425 yards, 18 TD’s, along with 22 receptions for 222 yards and 1 TD. Obviously, Ajayi was back and healthy. 2013 cemented that Ajayi was not only back, but he could be a workhorse back. Ajayi carried the ball an astounding 347 times for 1823 yards, and an unbelievable 28 rushing TD’s. He also caught 50 passes for 535 yards and 4 TD’s. OK, so just how much was Ajayi the Boise St. offense??? 2378 total yards, and 32 TD’s! Incredible!
Ajayi performed well at the NFL combine. While not a speedster, he ran 4.57, but as important for a RB, is that quick burst. Ajayi ran 4,10 20 YD shuttle (top performer), a 39 ” vertical (tp), 121 broad jump (tp), and 11.60 60 YD shuttle (tp). OK, so Ajayi is an athlete, a former soccer player with very good feet, and we can see from the drills, lots of explosion.
Who can we draft to be part of an effective rushing attack in 2016? Let’s take a look!
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Ezekiel “Zeke” Elliott RB Ohio St. 6’0″ 225
The clear cut best RB available in this draft will most likely not be available to the Dolphins if we stay at #13, but if somehow Ezekiel “Zeke” Elliott makes it to our pick at #13, it will give the Dolphins a very difficult choice. Elliott has been compared to former Colts and Cards RB Edgerrin James. Elliott was a great back for Ohio St., a true 3 down RB. Elliott topped 1800 yards in both his sophomore and junior seasons, 1878 and 1821 respectively. Elliott averaged 6.9 YPC his sophomore year and 6.3 YPC in his junior, along with scoring 18 TD’s and 23 TD’s respectively. He’s the real deal, and while he may not be a prospect of Adrien Peterson’s ilk, he is a great prospect, quite worthy of an early first pick. In 592 carries, Zeke has a fumble rate of 162.5, which means he fumbles once per 162.5 carries, very solid. Fumbling is clearly not an issue. Again, odds are, Zeke is gone by pick #13, so although he would be a great addition to our rushing attack, let’s look at some RB’s who have a better chance of being available to us after our 1st pick.
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Derrick Henry RB Alabama 6’2″ 247
Derrick Henry is the big boy of the group, at 6’2″ 247, Henry is reminiscent of former NY Giants RB Brandon Jacobs. Not quite as big as Jacobs who was 6’4″ 264, he’s certainly big enough. A physical RB who is fast for his size, Henry ran a 4.54 40, along with a 37″ vertical, and 11.50 60 yard shuttle, which shows he’s athletic for his size. One of the negatives with Henry is he tends to run more upright, partly due to his size, and that opens him up for more hits and punishment from defenders, despite the fact that Henry delivers his fair share of punishment too. If we’re looking to really become a run heavy team, or at least closer to a 50/50 ratio of run to pass, we could do worse having a tandem of Ajayi and Henry. We could then pick up a change of pace back later on, one that’s faster and smaller, as we don’t have that type of back at the moment. Henry rushed for 2219 yards on 395 carries last season (junior year) for 5.6 YPC average along with a college football leading 28 TD’s. Henry doesn’t offer much as a receiver, logging only 17 total receptions in 3 years at Alabama. He is, however, a workhorse who finds his way into the endzone, and lord knows, the Dolphins could stand to score more of those.
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Keith Marshall RB Georgia 5’11” 219
Keith Marshall is about the same size as former Dolphins RB Lamar Miller. He’s actually a bit faster too, running the 40 at a blazing 4.31, and may be an intriguing choice for the Dolphins later in the draft. Marshall chose to play all 4 years at Georgia. In his sophomore year, Marshall suffered a torn right ACL. Due to that injury, Marshall has a very small body of work, only 253 total carries, 117 of which were in his freshman year. Marshall appears to be very healthy, and could be a steal in mid to later RD’s. Marshall also has good ball security, so he has low mileage, speed and agility, and holds on to the football. He could be that change of pace type back for us initially.
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Kenyan Drake RB Alabama 6’1″ 210
Kenyan Drake is Derrick Henry’s RB mate at Alabama. Drake was the change of pace for the workhorse Henry. Drake had a total of 233 carries in 4 years at Alabama for 1495 yards, for a nice 6.4 YPC. Drake finished with a total of 18 TD rushing TD’s in his college career, but understandably a low figure, considering he took the backseat to Henry who scored 28 TD’s in his senior year. He’s a potential mid to late RD pick for Miami.
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There are quite a few other prospects that the Dolphins will be looking at, especially if we don’t pick up a solid veteran RB to compliment what we already have. Last week we picked up two former 2nd RD picks, Isaiah Pead from the Rams and former Dolphins 2nd RD pick, yes, the infamous “DT 3”, Daniel Thomas, who rejoins the team. Can either of those 2 recapture what made them 2nd RD prospects in the first place? Not likely, but I think there is a chance Daniel Thomas can stick on the roster, because one thing Thomas excels at is pass protection as a RB.
Piggy/Wedge have already gone into depth with many of the RB’s, and will likely continue to do so, so I won’t tread on “their” territory, and leave that to them. If there are RB’s that you think we should be interested, bring them up on the blog and we’ll discuss them!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Foist. Big deal.
Good read Mike, you covered my thoughts. If it was me I would take Keith Marshall and hope that DT3 shows something. That would be a solid stable of RBs. I’m not a fan of Williams at all.
Morning Rock, how’s things?
what a game last night. Kid is always going to be always famous making that game winning shot. That shot is probably going be shown 100 yrs from now.
JS…G’day I assume you are talking about that game OD was posting about.
national championship of basketball. OD=outer diameter. Been working on kitchen facet last 2 days. They don’t build things like they used to so I guess I will give up and buy new one.Pissed me off changed all washers, hot/cold cartridges, cleaned diverter still has a leak sometimes cold sometimes hot. How’s your weather down under.
I might buy same one and then try all the parts from new one to see what the problem was. Wife thinks I should just buy new one instead of fixing it. I told her what will that look like for the kids and grand kids. If something breaks then replace it= a disposable society.
Beautiful Autumn days but the nights are starting to get cold. Plumbing work annoys me. What’s a new tap worth over there? Last one I bought was around 10 USD.
I know, its not expensive its just the point I should be able to fix it and it sets a good example for the kids.
What annoys me is the new tap I bought was not the same length as the old one so it sticks out further.
So your starting winter now?
Yep couple of month’s time June the 1st. Our seasons are the opposite to yours.
I remember from my navy days.Your what 13 hours ahead of us also? Me and wife went on vacation recently to Tehran, Iran and they are 8.5 hour ahead of us. I didn’t know of any countries that were 1/2 hour differences in time zones
Yep 131/2 hours ahead at the moment when your daylight saving starts you fall to 141/2 hours.
have you ever lived in the states
didn’t know you guys were ahead also with a 1/2 hour increment.
Going to walk on the treadmill for an hour ,back after that.
NICE JOB, Mike E.!! – – YES, we DO need a running back to compliment AJAYI, whose ability to carry the ball 20+ times a game remains unproven at the NFL level. He STILL has to “SHOW ME!” But, before he can do that, he NEEDS A HOLE TO RUN THROUGH!! –That means TWO NFL-QUALITY GUARDS ARE A MUST FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON. Otherwise, the running game will suffer, and Tanny will continue to get crushed time and again! – – It’s just amazing that the “DOOFUS BRIGADE” hasn’t figured this out yet!!!
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Lows in the upper 50’s this morning in the north of Tampa suburbs. The high should be in the upper 70’s for the next few days – – beautiful, cloudless, day is in store for us! NCAA “Frozen Four” Finals is in Tampa later this week. It won’t top March Madness, but an interesting event it truly is IF you are a hockey fan! –SO MANY sports choices in Tampa Bay!
BTW – I didn’t include Damien Williams and Jahwan Edwards because I doubt they’re on the final roster.
Good article Mike. I’d feel comfortable saying I think a Healthy Marshall is a better pure home run threat than what Miller was coming out of college. Maintains his footing better.
Thanks – I could see Marshall, or a player like him as our pick for RB. Where do you expect Marshall to be drafted, somewhere between the 3rd and 5th?
I wouldn’t expect it until late round 4 just because of his injury history, but you never know.
Thanks OD, I’m sure an OL will be in the draft as well as a RB
Good write up, Mike. I wouldn’t be surprised if we drafted two RBs, one mid rd and one late. Or maybe draft one and signed a couple of UDFAs.
JS…no I have never been outside of Australia. No money in my family and the kids cost me plenty to set them up. But they are all married and settled, never been in trouble so it was worth it. The reason for the 1/2 hour difference is we are in the middle of Australia and we are 1/2 behind the Eastern side. Poor Perth is 21/2 hours behind us.
Ever swim with great whites? LOL
I figure we’ll definitely pick up a couple as UDFA’s, but we could take one early and late too. If there’s a guy they don’t want to have to fight to pick up after the draft, they may spend one of our 7th RD picks.
Keith Marshall is an interesting choice. He was injured for roughly 18 months but he played in every game last year I believe (maybe just missed one). He had 10 carries in the season opener against Louisiana-Monroe and rushed for 73 yds but after that he only got between 1-5 carries a game for the rest of the season until the last 2 games of the regular season where he rushed it 14 times vs KY and 5 times vs GT. In the January bowl game vs Penn State, he carried it 14 times for 64 yards.
Marshall was one of the highest rated RB coming out of HS and he was the one who succeeded Todd Gurley at UGA. Once he got hurt, Nick Chubbs took over.
It’s why I still see him as a later round pick. His knee is a bigger question than Brent Grimes sexuality.
LOL
Our offseason program starts April 11 being that we have a new coaching staff. So Gase gets a chance to get things started next week.
We all have personal favorites at RB of course 🙂
I like Zeke’s game alot but I don’t want a 1st RD back and the drop off isn’t that great from him to others in terms of overall talent. Experience wise, Zeke’s ahead as well as Henry etc.
I really like Louisiana Tech’s Kenneth Dixon. He is a good receiving back who runs tough when getting to first contact.
UCLA’s Paul Perkins to me has great vision and good setup moves at the point of attack to get by LB and DB in the 2nd level. His running style reminds me of Foster except Foster came into the NFL at 225 while Perkins is around 210.
San Jose State’s Tyler Ervin is a 1 cut runner who gets to full speed in a hurry. On film, I thought he was the fastest RB in the draft but he came in at a 4.36 sec 40 time which means he really does play up to the 4.36 sec 40 time speed you see on film. He reminds me of Chris Johnson for some reason.
Plenty of good backs to choose from. It’ll be interesting to see the stylistic back that Gase wants for his O.
Mike thanks for the new article on RB’s.
I like the ability of Marshall, but I’d shy away from picking him too early or at all. We don’t need two RB’s that have an injury history. That could leave us frightfully thin at some point. Remember teams like Houston & KC.
I agree with taking Marshall early. I have a feeling we wouldn’t draft him as our 2nd back anyway, because of his injury history, but more as part of a stable of backs.
Which I see a guy like Drake as a fit since he’s already used to that role & a true change of pace to Ajayi. I could see many formations even with both in the game and Drake motions to the slot or Ajayi lead blocks for him, etc.
I also think a later guy like CJ Prosise is someone that could fit as a tandem back. His still learning the game as a 1 year starter, but he too has versatility from being a receiver early on. Him & Ajayi would make a nice 1-2 punch being similar in size, but Prosise is a lil faster, and hey, we’d finally have our CJ. 🙂
I wonder is Gase would prefer to have two balanced backs that are similar so nothing changes when they’re in the game, or two backs with different styles? Or maybe two who are similar and one who can play the role of hammer from time to time.
If we end up with two backs like Ajayi who can be on the field in any situation, I don’t see a role for Williams.
I like having RB’s with different qualities. You can always change your game planning if one guy gets hurts, but I’d like to have guys with different skills.
What do you like about different styles?
Here’s Pandora’s box waiting to be opened for today’s blog😂
@HimmelrichNFL: Why hasn’t Ryan Tannehill given up on the Miami Dolphins? https://t.co/kmkyOfWE9Y https://t.co/3nMwJbIQ1T
Duh, cause they’re paying him a ton of money & he has an identity in Miami, like it or not.
The article is pretty objective based on the overall picture since Tannehill has been here. Like he pointed out, whether you like Tannehill or not, there are and were other issues with the situation in Miami.
That said, as far as Tannehill giving up on the Dolphins, he really has no choice as he signed his extension and that’s not really how competitive athletes behave. He also hasn’t proven enough to have that kind of clout.
Mike E. says:
April 5, 2016 at 10:07 am
I agree with taking Marshall early. I have a feeling we wouldn’t draft him as our 2nd back anyway, because of his injury history, but more as part of a stable of backs.
Reply
Which I see a guy like Drake as a fit since he’s already used to that role & a true change of pace to Ajayi. I could see many formations even with both in the game and Drake motions to the slot or Ajayi lead blocks for him, etc.
I also think a later guy like CJ Prosise is someone that could fit as a tandem back. His still learning the game as a 1 year starter, but he too has versatility from being a receiver early on. Him & Ajayi would make a nice 1-2 punch being similar in size, but Prosise is a lil faster, and hey, we’d finally have our CJ.:)
Prosise is a fumbler though, not digging that.
It seems like a lot of backs in this draft have fumbling issues.
It comes with the 1 year experience, maybe he’ll get better. So he’d be more than comfy behind Ajayi. But as Tim said, lots of fumblers in this RB draft class.
Eastern Michigan RB Darius Jackson is another RB who is rising. He tested well at his Pro Day (wasn’t invited to combine)
Height: 6′-000″
Weight: 220 lbs
225 lb Bench: 20 reps
40 yard dash: 4.40 sec
10 yard split: 1.56 sec
Vertical Jump: 41.5″
Broad Jump: 11′-01″
Shuttle: 4.29 sec
3-cone: 6.87 sec
He’s projected as a 6th RDer over at nfldraftscout.com
Here is a highlight package with most of the footage vs LSU’s defense (highlights vs LSU doesn’t start until 2:06 mark). Wyo might like the clip at the 1:45 mark as it shows one of the Wyoming Mustang defender jacking up an EMU player, nasty, LOL
Keep in mind Eastern Michigan blows so it’s tough to see this lol but he does a few things in here that I like.
Look at his power running at the 4:35 mark of the highlight package; his lead block on a TD at the 6:57 mark; his rushing TD at the 7:35 mark; makes a solid inside move to gain 10 yards at the 8:43 mark; another nice elusive at the point of attack move at the 9:31 mark; another decent inside run at the 11:49 mark (froze the DE).
Tim
I think it makes it tougher for a defense to deal with, when you have a grinder, and then you can bring in a speedy-shifty guy, it’s tougher on the defense to have a multifaceted attack. After tackling a grinder, a guy that wears you down, it’s harder to start chasing a faster back all over the field. That’s how I see it.
I hear ya. That’s been a long time approach. I can also see wanting two guys who have a blend of size, power and speed like Ajayi where they just keep coming at you. It can work both ways.
….or a fresh grinder, hold the pickle.
Tim
Sure, I can see that too. I also think with different talent, you can give the defense different looks too, keep them off balance, so it’s not just one type of thing they have to game plan for.
dbolt48 says:
April 5, 2016 at 9:57 am
Plenty of good backs to choose from. It’ll be interesting to see the stylistic back that Gase wants for his O.
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Agree. I see so many that can be options for Miami given the 2 prong back attack.
DeAndre Washington is like a Ray Rice type, Peyton Barber is another one who can combo with Ajayi and with good size (228 lbs) not to mention that Barber is very hungry as he cites his mother being homeless as a reason for leaving Auburn early .
Daniel Lasco is another interesting one out of Cal. Probably has the most core strength (high bench press & jumping scores) of any RB in this draft not to mention he ran a 4.46 sec 40 at the combine (he and Darius Jackson were the only backs to jump higher than 40″ on the vertical test and clear 11′ on broad jump; Tyler Ervin came close at 39″ vert and 10′-10″ broad).
Will Lasco follow in the steps of other NFL successful Cal RB like Marshawn Lynch and CJ Anderson?
mike
wanted to thank you for the warning last night. i was very diligent with the use of my finger all night long which made for easy breasy scrolling right past your article today. i went so fast i even missed the BOTW picture.
BTW – You see the abs on Zeke Elliott? Guy looks like he’s carved out of stone!
The think about Elliot is he checks off all the boxes. No weaknesses. If you’re looking for a true #1 he’s the guy. Not sure that’s what we’re looking to do in the 1st rd though.
Al, good post. Kid has some talent for sure. Sometimes these are where smaller school guys surprise in the NFL as very late picks or UDFA’s.
Tim Knight says:
April 5, 2016 at 10:34 am
I hear ya. That’s been a long time approach. I can also see wanting two guys who have a blend of size, power and speed like Ajayi where they just keep coming at you. It can work both ways.
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Yep, back when the Saints were still decent on defense a few years ago, they were one of the teams who split up carries among different backs and made it a pain in the ass for defenders to consistently defend the run from drive to drive.
They would hit you with Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas, Darren Sproles, & Chris Ivory/Khiry Robinson. Speed & Power.
It’s funny you mention the Saints, that’s exactly what I think of when utilizing multiple backs. They had their explosive passing attack then hit you with a multitude of physical backs. Obviously having an option like Sproles adds another dimension.
Al, I also like the potential of Lasco. I mentioned him as a possibility a couple weeks ago. Seems a fairly deep RB class.
Yep, I wouldn’t be surprised if Denver drafted him to eventually replace his fellow alumni LOL
Tim,
Yep, the Saints & Pats are teams I always mention as teams that don’t feature a back often. They might in specific games but as a means to adjust to the defensive scheme they are facing. They have gone some seasons without a single one of their backs getting more than 200 carries.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Williams & Green brought in for the stable of backs.
Jahwan Edwards is a CJ Anderson-type rb and one reason I didn’t understand the pursuit of Anderson:
He ran a 4.8 which turns scouts off.
10 yd split is the same thing as Anderson’s and when you’re talking NFL rb’s the 10 yd split is the thing that makes the difference.
Edwards game never translated. Cj Anderson’s DID! Big Difference.
professorloumiamidolphinsblog says:
April 4, 2016 at 7:19 pm
so you’re comfortable with us continuing to throw 37 times a game even though we can’t move the ball on offense that way?
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To answer from yesterday, I did mention that I want to see more rushing. I noted that the Fins were already efficient at running the ball on a yards per carry basis but when you don’t attempt to run the ball. It’s sad when the Dolphins coaches try to sling it more, intentionally with the Run/Pass mix you see, than NE & GB who have the best QB in the NFL.
Philbin used to say crap like, “we were down and had to run”, when i specifically remember games over the last 3 years vs Panthers, Bills, & Patriots where Miami was up double digits early and those teams still outrushed Miami (they don’t let early double digit scores scare them out of their initial game plan). Remember 2 or 3 years ago vs NE @ NE where Miami came out in the 2nd half and only rushed it 1/5th of the time they rushed it in half 1? They had a lead in NE at the half (the infamous game I think where OV got called for a fucking illegal push on a fumble LOL).
er, Philbin used to say crap like, “we were down and had to pass”
Oh boy, we’re down 10-3 early 2nd quarter time for empty backfield and 5 wide. LOL
I’ve said it a thousand time. Poor schemes, game plans, & play calling! = 7-9, 8-8, 6-10.
I don’t get that article about tanny. Isn’t he under contract to play for the phins? So he really doesn’t have a choice.
The basis for the article makes no sense. The content is OK, but the headline does not.
That’s what I said. What’s Tannehill going to do, retire? LOL
Night folks.
Edwards 4.50 20 yard shuttle is painfully slow
G’nite Lee!
BoulderPhinfan says:
April 5, 2016 at 11:09 am
I don’t get that article about tanny. Isn’t he under contract to play for the phins? So he really doesn’t have a choice.
Reply
Mike E. says:
April 5, 2016 at 11:12 am
The basis for the article makes no sense. The content is OK, but the headline does not.
Reply
*
The article is a retort to “why haven’t the Dolphins given up on Tannehill” banter.
Oh, OK, I guess. lol
because their choice would be sanchez. Just look at the broncos. even average QBs are hard to find.
There’s always options if they seek them and vice versa for Ryan.
Lou, I’m not the one making the call on Edwards, but a 4.8 time is never good for a RB who isn’t just a battering ram FB.
His post wasn’t about Edwards so much as it was about why would we pursue CJ Anderson as if he’s just as bad….SMH!
So I guess Denver has the same view of Anderson.
it was actually a 4.64 but if you want to go with the 4.8 that’s fine. but, again, the 10 yd split matters more than the 40 and it’s the same thing as Anderson’s at 1.56 which is pretty darn good for a rb who goes roughly 5’9″ 220lbs.
As far as the comment from GDP about Edward’s game not translating it’s kind of idiotic to say that because Anderson sat his first year too and who knows if he gets a shot if Ball doesn’t get injured.
Where is the draft this year?
Timbuktu
Timfuku?😂
LMAO!!!
It’s in Chicago again.
Lee being forced to leave the blog.
LOL, I’d have to shoot that buggar!
if we sign hall or another decent CB then we can focus on the offense early in the draft.
I think the team is trying to open up as many opportunities in the draft as possible so we can go BPA.
…or keep on a course of BPA flexibility….but yes, helps if say Stanley falls to us, or Zeke, or we go OG in the 2nd.
Mike, I think the NFL got tired of listening to the whiny Jets fans at the draft. LOL
Al,
I like Dixon too.
Is he the back that reminds some of Marshawn Lynch?
A little bit, except he didn’t play @ Cal, he played @ LaTech
I don’t see many offensive players on this list
Prospects associated with the Dolphins:
» Eli Apple, CB, Ohio State: Apple scheduled to meet with Dolphins
» Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State: Dolphins GM attends pro day
» Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State: Dolphins arrange workout with Cook
» Su’a Cravens, LB, USC: Has visit scheduled with Dolphins
» Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida: Dolphins show interest at pro day
» Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor: Howard has visit set up with Dolphins
» William Jackson III, CB, Houston: Has meeting scheduled with Dolphins
» Jordan Jenkins, OLB, Georgia: Jenkins scheduled to meet with Dolphins
» Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson: Lawson met with Dolphins at combine
» Anthony Sarao, LB, USC: Sarao spotted with Dolphins at Shrine Game
» Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss: Set to work out for Dolphins
Don’t sweat it, we probably won’t draft anyone on that list.
We never met with Pat White either.
Tim,
That, I don’t know. I just like the way he runs, and I think he’s a guy you might be able to get without spending a high draft pick.
he reminds Al of Lynch but he reminds me more of Curtis Martin with his ability to make people miss in the open field after the catch and his running style. If you watch highlights of Martin and look at Dixon run and catch the ball the two are very similar right down to their size. Dixon also has very dense muscle mass and he’s tough to tackle around the legs. He’s going to be a hell of a player at the next level. Hope it’s with Miami.
And I’m not saying Edwards is the answer to splitting reps at rb with Ajayi either. Only that they already have an udfa rb who is very similar to Anderson to the idea of pursuing Anderson for that kind of money doesn’t make sense to me.
I’d rather they go after someone like Dixon and get us a backfield that was similar to what we had when Ricky and Ronnie were here. Two headed monster.
Edwards is not CJ Anderson. CJ Anderson’s game has translated early on to the NFL. Edwards is camp fodder & will likely be cut and gone to another camp at best. I don’t see him cracking any depth charts & certainly not a starting role.
That’s probably why we signed Pead and DT3.
Okay there.
BoulderPhinfan says:
April 5, 2016 at 11:09 am (Edit)
I don’t get that article about tanny. Isn’t he under contract to play for the phins? So he really doesn’t have a choice.
***************
its an absurd question to pose
Why isn’t Jarvis Landry a spoiled brat?
Why isn’t Adam Gase a control freak?
Why isn’t Mario Williams a serial killer?
Tannehill is under contract, has a chance to be a part of something special, isn’t underpaid and the team hasn’t given up on him. He is bein g a professional – which is notable. But what is Tannehill was pouting and demanding a trade, I would think very little of that and I bet most fans would too. Its not a reasonable option for him.
agreed
he’s just toying with my emotions. lol
it kinda read preachy to me
like you better appreciate Tannehill look at all he has done for us and been through
I honestly don’t know the article. do you have a link?
Good piece Mike
Personally, although Henry looks the part of a physical back – I don’t think he is physical at all
and that bothers me about Henry
Jordan Howard, Alex Collins, Devontae Booker….those are my guys
Since Miller left, I had the 2nd round pegged as the round to acquire a RB
but every time I do a mock draft its always seems better to wait until the 3rd round or even 4th round
I like all the guys mentioned
but I think the drop off between Elliot and the next guy is significant
I do think this draft has Leveon Bell sort of talent in th 2nd round
Even the guys I mentioned above may be better suited as 3rd round picks
I think 3rd or 4th is the target rd for a RB. We could also take one late or sign a couple of UDFAs to add to the competition.
Also after the draft when a team drafts a top RB or two, vets will be released so we might pick up a 28-29 year old back who can still play but is not a break the bank type and isn’t looking to be the bell cow. There’s lots of ways to address the position.
We can probably afford to go
1 OL or CB
2 CB or OL (whichever we don’t do in 1)
3 RB or LB
4. LB or RB (whichever we don’t do in 1)
I’m leaning away from DE in the 1st round and it would have to be a good one available in the 2nd for me to take one there – which is possible bc the class is deep enough
I would mind adding a safety too
if there is a good one on the board when we pick – I might take that player over the other positions
Rounds 5-7 should probably get another LB and another OL and then I think you look at S, TE, DE in round 5 as well
I guess you have to factor in KR
and a WR to replace Matthews as well
I know we’re talking RB, but does anybody like Darian Thompson out of Boise State as a potential FS pick? I love the way the kid plays. He’s aggressive and long….and hits like a truck. He gambles quite a bit, but I think that’s something you can coach him out of in the NFL. If we could get him in, say, the 4th round…maybe even the 3rd…I’d be tempted.
I like Ramsey, Cash and Neal at safety
Ramsey is a top 5 pick so forget it
Cash is a 2nd rounder
Neal might be thee in day 3
I don’t know much about Thompson
We currently have 5 safeties on the roster so I don’t think that’s a position we target early.
ESPN’s Merril Hoge believes Florida RB Kelvin Taylor can be an NFL starter.
Taylor is “one of best runners I’ve seen in recent memory,” Hoge told Jaguars writer John Oesher. The son of Fred Taylor does not offer the skillset of the Jaguars legend, however Taylor did flash at times for the Gators. We will have to disagree with Hoge, and specifically point to Taylor’s limited athleticism. Kelvin Taylor’s athletic profile places him in the bottom 9th percentile for NFL running backs, which are long odds to overcome.
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I guess they’re saying that a former NFL RB doesn’t know talent @ RB if he sees it….lol
You know the draft is around the corner when Piggy Kiper shows up as my avatar
LOL
I see a lot of this guy in Kenneth Dixon. The uncanny this is they are both #28
Lou
DBolt posted it this morning
dbolt48 says:
April 5, 2016 at 10:17 am (Edit)
Here’s Pandora’s box waiting to be opened for today’s blog😂
@HimmelrichNFL: Why hasn’t Ryan Tannehill given up on the Miami Dolphins? https://t.co/kmkyOfWE9Y https://t.co/3nMwJbIQ1T
Piggy,
Thanks, I’m just looking for some safety talent we can get without drafting too high. I only like one safety we have on the roster at the moment.
The guy from the Lions we signed is not bad
but I think we should try to add one in the draft as well
I forgot to mention Jayron Kearse
The Dolphins might be able to add Jayron Kearse or Keanu Neal on day 3
Eric Murray from the Gophers might be a possible CB–>FS convert that could be had a little later.
that’s the guy
http://www.foxsports.com/south/story/the-panel-jeremy-cash-duke-blue-devils-040116
Here is a link to a story about Jeremy Cash
Piggy, I like Sean Davis @ safety. Kid is gonna be a player. Very versatile in coverage & a real hitter too! That’s a coveted combination in my book!
Piggy,
we may be able to get our DE in the 3rd w/Phillips’ OU teammate Tapper, damn near killed ‘er
Tapper is an interesting prospect
and he should be there after the first 2 rounds
Piggy,
I’m gonna reserve judgement on a guy who has spent most of his career as a backup until I see him do it for real on this team. Hearing “he’s not bad” about a guy always makes me cringe a little. Lol
***
I just looked around a little online, and Thompson is fairly highly rated in this safety draft class. On film, he just looks like a baller.
As you should but we targeted him as a starter. He could be a guy who our pro scouting dept. saw good tape on. Gase said when he played against him he did a good job on TEs. IAQ is a very good athlete.
Dbolt,
I like Eric Murray…watched him play a bunch. Solid, steady player..not a lot of flash but sound.
Yep….Lou and I have talked about Murray quite a bit. I think he’s a player, as you said not flashy, who’ll handle his responsibilities and won’t let
You down.
If Miami does go the mode of possibly converting a CB to FS they have to make sure the player is mature and has a high IQ. The team tried this with Aikens and it seems his maturity issues might be holding him back.
Hopefully Aiken is honest in realizing that when he said he’s going to be a very different player this year.
mike, piggy or any of you admin guys. i just posted the blog to some other fin fan. name is jason, i dont know what any blog name will be but be on the look out to approve him. dont judge the poor guy cause he was in the same radio station chat room with me
just checked the pending comments and there is nothing there but when he posts something one of us will approve it pronto
he just posted as tampafinsfan
Can’t believe you guys talk up everybody but Sean Davis, who’s better than half of the guys you are swooning over…IMO.
Like him & Houston-Carsin, but I think they are both moving towards 3rd RD contention.
Yeah, Sean Davis has really moved up the boards after his nice combine where he ran a 4.46 & a 10yd split of 1.56, 37 1/2 vert 3.97 shuttle & 6.64 3 cone drill.
He was stuck as a late prospect as a CB which he played his senior year & was a little raw. But he’s put 3 yrs of nice safety play on film before that.
I will have to check him out
Great thing i think about this year is you dont need to feel pressured to go big especially at RB because the fallback options are pretty solid. I have yet to find a mock (and yes i know the mocks arent necessarily how things will unfold) where if i missed a target back in one round that i didnt have other target backs in later rounds i felt just about as good having secured them. There is also the fact that next years RB draft class is STACKED, so miss out on a stud this year, next year get an even better one. I wouldnt go big at RB this year, id go for value.
Agreed.
thanks piggy. btw just curious once he post how long to i have to wait to get my referral fee. hahahahahahahahah
not long at all
immediately
here it is
…for Piggy. Sean Davis. Models his game after Sean Taylor.
He’s also fond of playing ST’s, did so all his time for the Terps.
http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/sports/colleges/maryland/ph-cc-sp-terps-sean-davis-0402-story.html
lol piggy
dont tempt me. i had to rest my fingers last night so i could scroll past mikes articles so i am more then ready
Pig can’t respond as he is having some technical difficulties
Y
U
K
Senior Bowl. Sean Davis hit on Ohio St. 6’6 260 TE Nick Vannett
https://youtu.be/VFt9ZcVfB7s
I bet Verrett was excited about that happening in a bowl game
I was hoping I’d be in this clip. It happened right in front of me. I was only 3 rows back.
They probably panned you out after recognizing you from this:
Nice article Mike E. I am just pissed that we have to draft a RB which if we played our cards right during FA we would not have to do that.
I like Henry from Alabama a lot. I think after Zeke he is the next best back in the draft. Good combination of skills.
He’s too big…DT3.0 🙂
He is a more instinctive and natural runner than DT 3 is. He is not a converted QB.
The book on Henry is he needs a head start like in an I-formation like AP plays in.
True, but I still think he runs too upright @ 6’3 very few RB’s have success….Eddie George last one I can think of.
Tim:
From what I have seen he has good quickness. I do think he plays better in an I but just about all backs do. I think he can line up in any formation and be effective.
Maybe he can, just going by the reports I read. He wouldn’t be a good fit how we used Miller last year then again who knows if that’s what we’re going to do when it’s all said and done.
I rather have Drake. He’s an all around weapon that could pair with Ajayi just right. Drafting Henry says Ajayi is the backup.
getterdone says:
April 5, 2016 at 2:04 pm (Edit)
I rather have Drake. He’s an all around weapon that could pair with Ajayi just right. Drafting Henry says Ajayi is the backup.
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So? Pretty good back up and good combined skills between both backs.
If we went early for a RB, then hopefully it’s Zeke. Otherwise I’d say Ajayi is the lead RB and draft another RB in 4th, then bring in a couple from UDFA.
Ajayi’s ability to stay healthy is a major concern. Not sure we want him to have close to 300 touches.
GD, Drake would fit into Mike’s vision of having too different backs. I like Drake too and had him in a few of my mocks, even the ones not using the site. He’s an explosive weapon – RB/slot receiver/KR.
I like what he can offer as well. Let’s not forget that Gase is creative on offense.
Yeah that’s why I like Drake.
It would be good to get someone else as a KR so Landry doesn’t have such a heavy workload. Even though the NFL is trying to make kick returns obsolete.
Ken
I’m intrigued by Henry, I have to admit.
Him and Ajayi wearing down defenses is tempting.
I have been also since seeing him play a couple of times this year. There is talent there for sure, but everyone has their faves. LOL
Ken,
Henry is an interesting tool.
I don’t like him as RB for what Miami does but he can be used as an H-back with his size (very much the same size/weight as Charles Clay & Aaron Hernandez were entering their draft).
I hope the Patriots don’t see him as such and draft him to use him that way
I’d hesitate using Henry as an Hback…he never really caught that many passes, did he???
Ken, as of right now, it’s hard to gauge anything about Ajay’s knee because it sure doesn’t seem to affect him. But I agree, we need depth, he did suffer broken ribs last year putting him on the 8 game IR even though that could happen to anybody, happened to Rishard Matthews as well, but again, it still happened.
Ken says:
April 5, 2016 at 2:16 pm
Ajayi’s ability to stay healthy is a major concern. Not sure we want him to have close to 300 touches.
——
His medical concern isn’t an acute situation but rather one that ‘may’ affect him down the road (arthritic condition). He has played with whatever issue since 2011 and still managed to put up big time numbers at Boise State.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25156179/nfl-draft-boise-state-rb-jay-ajayis-knee-a-concern-for-nfl-teams
Al is like a mad scientist. He takes corners and turns them into safeties, RBs and turns them into H-Backs. What’s next QBs into punters? LOL
Big Ben would fit as he’s pooched punt quite a bit😂
Remember when Matt Darr committed that personal foul tackling someone in the Dallas game after a punt? LOL. LB mentality
Al called Henry a tool . . . Hehehehehehehe
dbolt,
Henry caught a total of 11 passes last year and only 17 for his career LOL.
One thing I didn’t notice about Henry until you had me go look up his stats is how many times he carried the rock.
395 rush attempts last season, WOWZERS. He had 172 his previous year. 395 is major road work and IMPOSSIBLE in the NFL. Anything over 300 carries in a season is a recipe for disaster these days.
Al – Ajayi had 347 carries his last year at Boise St. That’s a ton of carries.
Yep and the knee didn’t even buckle lol. People are too concerned about something that is unpredictable. Frank Gore had a pretty good run in the NFL off two torn ACL in college. Willis McGahee had his knee shattered in front of a national audience and he still managed to have a decent career in the NFL.
All comes down to genetics in the end. Some people can carry an Ungodly load vs their peers. Is Henry one of those freaks?
Marcus Lattimore, eh, not so much.
McGahee’s was awful. I remember that.
don’t see Henry as an H back although I think he can be a decent receiving option. He was not really called upon to do at that at Bama but I have seen catch a couple of passes and he looked good doing it. I do like him a lot as a feature back. I think he can pound the rock and you give it to him enough times he will break one and take it to the house.
I just don’t see Henry as a fit in our ZBS. I think he’ll get caught too much, be too slow to get to & thru the openings.
He is not slow. Not sure why you say that.
In case you missed it this morning
I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. I’ve failed over and over and over again in fixing the kitchen facet over the last 2 days and that is why I succeeded.
I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.
FOX Sports: NFL @NFLonFOX 2h2 hours ago
Roger Goodell returned to Twitter and NFL fans let him have it.
http://foxs.pt/1V76f3f
@FinsInsider: Spot on. Their play-sheet for one game after Dan Campbell took over literally consisted of just 10 plays. https://t.co/CH2ZhPoKFZ
9 of them passes.
That’s defensive sheets, but the offensive one you’re probably right. 9 passes and the toss sweep for good measure to take D’s by surprise.
I always felt Thomas was better suited in Jimmy Wilson’s role with was an extra DB and dime safety.
The more inside stuff I hear about last season the more pissed off I get.
Keanu Neal is a guy would really like to see us draft.
https://search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=keanu+neal+college+highlights+youtube&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-003
Does not miss tackles, pretty good in coverage, plays the part of a safety very well and creates turnovers. He is always around the ball, and plays with a lot on intensity.
Now way! LOL
I meant no way but what I really meant was you like a Gator? LOL
D, is there a UF prospect that you don’t like for us? 🙂
LOL, see above.
Im objective about my choices, UF is a good program and has good players as a result. I wouldnt suggest a player i didnt feel would be a good option for Phins. I have never advocated for us to pick up Tebow, even though there was a couple of times there is 0 chance he was worse than what we had.
getterdone says:
April 5, 2016 at 2:46 pm
I just don’t see Henry as a fit in our ZBS. I think he’ll get caught too much, be too slow to get to & thru the openings.
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You sure we are going to go with ZBS under Gase?
Also Henry is not slow. Not sure why GDP says that. He has good quickness for a guy his size.
Henry is a long strider, he looks like he is moving slow until you notice he is leaving people behind running past them.
D, what do you think of Jonathan Bullard?
I think he has one of the highest motors of anyone in this draft. I think he could really mix well with Suh from the LDE position and due to his ability to play most the techniques on the DL could be move inside in certain packages and give us a lot of flexibility.
He’s a little less talented Nkemdiche with a much higher motor and no off field issues.
GDP
How do you know we’re still using the ZBS?
Oops, D beat me to it. I owe D a beer