Walton received probation and Drake could be unavailable for the Phins opener
With Kenyan Drake uncertain for the season opener and Mark Walton receiving probation, the Phins decisions on who they keep and cut at running back may get interesting.
The Miami Dolphin will keep five backs in total on the active roster going into the Regular Season. Drake will return at some point and along with Kalen Ballage, both will split duties as the starters. Walton has received enough snaps to be assigned ‘third man’ on the totem pole. That leaves Kenneth Farrow, Myles Gaskin, and Patrick Laird vying for that 4th spot. Fullback Chandler Cox will be the 5th back.
But there are complications:
Walton may get a suspension from the NFL for his three arrests even though he received probation. Also, Drake could miss a couple of weeks in September. This may force Miami to keep an extra back until Walton and/or Drake returns.
The good news is if Walton is suspended, he’ll receive a special designation that won’t count against the 53 man roster. Miami will be able to keep an extra player over the course of Walton’s suspension without cutting someone they want to keep.
The battle for the last RB spot is between UDFA Laird & 7th Round Pick Gaskin
Farrow has had limited touches through two weeks, and the best bookie software like www.AcePerHead.com, is betting that barring injuries, he’s certain to be cut.
So far this preseason, Laird has received the lion’s share of touches compared to Gaskin. The staff likes him… a lot, but Gaskin has a bit more flash in his step. Given what Flores said about Laird, those snaps are about giving him plenty of rope to hang himself… unless he’s highly consistent. There’s a place for reliable players in the NFL. But reliability takes more time and reps to vet than raw physical talent.
Gaskin has enough talent that you’d be sorry to let him go on a pipedream.
Flores quotes on Laird:
- “Laird is a young guy who works hard who has done everything we’ve asked. He has done everything right.”
- “He needs to stay on this path and he’ll have a chance. But it’s about consistency.”
- “He’s earned some more opportunities and he’s taken advantage of them.”
Now, it’s not to say Laird is deadwood… he’s not. On his Pro Day, he posted a 4.56 “40” and 6.86 in the 3-Cone Drill, which would have been the top score at the combine. Both are better than Gaskin’s combine numbers. But, Gaskin’s acceleration has more pop to it on tape. In two weeks of the preseason, Gaskin looks like a slightly lesser Walton. Doubling up the skillset of another player on the roster is a good move. But, keeping a patient, reliable back with vision is a good move too.
Decisions, decisions, decisions.
Laird has looked the more efficient runner and better at moving the pile than Gaskin. Some draft analysts gave him the knock of not following his blocking scheme and inability to work in space. Either they were wrong, didn’t translate his skillset to the pro level properly, or he has made major strides.
Also, while not a good pass blocker, Laird is the best of the 3rd Tier RBs. While Gaskin is very willing to take on rushers, he has been put on roller skates several times. This is a strong knock against him.
I could see both getting some snaps in the 1st Half this week to determine how they fare against starters. This would be a great way to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Gaskins and Laird might battle into the season
This Thursday’s game against the Jags will play a major role. I expect both Gaskin and Laird to get plenty of reps in a battle for the 4th spot. But, both might be kept (temporarily) if Walton gets a suspension or Drake has a semi-serious injury like a high ankle sprain.
Considering the minimal expenditures needed to bring both into camp, the Phins are in a good situation however it goes. While certainly not the biggest storyline, it’s an interesting one because Drake won’t receive a big contract from the Phins at the end of the season, so whoever they keep might play a part on this roster beyond 2019. This dress rehearsal will have consequences on the 53 man roster well into the 4th Quarter. Can’t wait. Go Phins!!!
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