Gaskin isn’t given much credit, but 2021 may flip the script
Plenty of Phins fans are upset that Miami missed out on the top running backs in the draft for the second year in a row. Most were crazy about Najee Harris. I wanted Javonte Williams or Michael Carter late so bad I could taste it. But, as much as I wanted Williams to be part of the mix, I am a huge believer in Myles Gaskin and picked him early last offseason to surprise in 2020. When you watch the tape of Gaskin from last season, he clearly flashes something better than the run-of-the-mill. While some find it hard to believe, part of the reason why Miami passed on the three top running back in this draft is that their belief in Gaskin is very high.
Is this belief of Brian Flores unfounded?
When did it begin and how was it won?
A deep dive into why Myles Gaskin IS Miami’s #1 runner
My goal with this article is an ambitious one to present the definitive look (or thereabouts) of running back Myles Gaskin. Now, for those of you who aren’t as high on Gaskin as I am, maybe a bunch of history, stats, and tape will change your mind in this ‘Philm Study’. I broke my foot a week or so ago and have had plenty of time on my hands… so if you are into a very deep study, here you go! — Earn Money As a Bookie – A Career Choice.
…Or you can skip to the Cliff Notes and watch the video for a streamlined pitch on Gaskin.
Great in college & excellent NFL tape means zip without health
First, the obvious big caveat to all of this is Gaskin’s injury history. For all his college accolades and the talent the tape shows, if Gaskin keeps battling knee issues, he will never reach his potential. The key and unknown is his health in 2021. What is very clear though, Gaskin is a very talented running back.
Lost in getting drafted in the 7th Round, Gaskin had a star-studded college career.
- Gaskin became Washington’s starting running back in his true freshman year in 2015.
- The first true freshman in school history to rush for over 1,000 yards.
- Set freshman record with 14 rushing touchdowns.
- Named MVP of the 2015 Heart of Dallas Bowl after rushing for 181 yards and four touchdowns.
- Gaskin played all 14 games of his sophomore season and was named to the All-Pac-12 first-team following the regular season.
- Junior season Gaskin led the Pac-12 with 21 rushing touchdowns and 24 total touchdowns.
- Gaskin finished his career at Washington with a school-record 62 touchdowns (2nd in Pac-12 history to Royce Freeman) and 5,323 rushing yards (3rd to Freeman and Charles White).
- Holds school records for 100-rushing-yard games (26), rush attempts (945), rushing yards per game (102.4), rushing touchdowns (57), rushes of 50+ yards (10), and all-purpose yards (5,878).
Now, some might say it’s just the Pac-12! But, Alex Mack, Cameron Jordan, Claw Mathews, Marcus Peters, Ryan Kalil, Carson Palmer, Andrew Luck, Richard Sherman, Tyron Smith, Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Rodgers were all Pac-12 players.
You can’t completely dismiss Pac-12 players or their accomplishments given the above list. So, despite the weaker conference, these records are impressive. Obviously, these ‘concerns’ have some weight because Gaskin fell to the 7th Round for a reason. — Best Pay Per Head Bookie.
So, let’s take a look a Gaskin on the pro level.
Gaskin in the NFL
Neither of Gaskin’s first two seasons screams ‘greatness’ statistically, but there is a pattern of growth. Will Year 3 provide the key third point that creates a trend?
In his rookie season, Gaskin had 1 touchdown, 36 carries for 133 yards for a messily 3.7 YPC, and 7 receptions for 51 yards. Last season, Gaskin had a statistical bump with 3 touchdowns, 142 carries for 584 yards for a respectable 4.1 YPC, and 41 receptions for 388 yards with 2 touchdowns through the air.
Gaskin graded a solid overall 74.5 PFF grade as the 26th best back in 2020, which was substantially higher than his 2019 54.7 grade. But, it was in the critical skillset of pass blocking that Gaskin saw his largest growth doubling his 2019 grade in 2020 with a 71.9 PFF Grade ranking him 8th best with the 11th most pass blocking assignments. Gaskin also graded out as the 11th best RB pass catcher with a 75.4 grade.
Gaskin is a complete 3-down running back.
Now, let’s remember that these stats were accomplished with only 2.1 yards before contact, which had Gaskin tied in 9th worst with Ronald Jones II for the least offensive line help. Gaskin was also tied in 16th place with four others with 2.1 yards after contact. A good note is that the four players he was tied with (Cam Akers 217lbs, Ezekiel Elliott 228lbs, Melvin Gordon 218 lbs, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire 207 lbs) are substantially bigger than Gaskin. This speaks volumes to Gaskin’s heart and skill. — How to Become a Bookie in 5 Easy Steps. —
Gaskin had little to work with, but made hay anyway.
Now, I’m not saying Gaskin is the 2nd coming of Barry or Walter, but this kid is showing himself to be a cut above.
Here’s a breakdown of nearly every 2021 snap Gaskin had.
I think the move towards big, run-blocking guards with Fluker and Hunt will be a sweet recipe for Gaskin, who excels at runs between the tackles. But, fellow backs Salvon Ahmed and rookie Gerrid Doaks will also benefit from this as well. The perimeter speed and size at receiver will force defenses to either stretch to the boundaries and give more space to Gaskin or squeeze in and free up the big weapons of Waddle, Parker, Gesicki, Fuller, and Bowden Jr. It will be a ‘pick your poison’ decision that could end up benefiting Gaskin the most as dying from a slow poison is usually preferable to those who want to live. — Is Pay per Head Legal? (The Answer Is Yes) —
Phins fans should keep their eyes on Gaskin and not be surprised if he wows them in 2021.
It’s always been about the running back for me
This article was a labor of love because of my admiration of the running back position. From the first moments I understood the game as a young boy, running backs symbolized the heart and passion it takes to play football…
…and when a runner (especially a Dolphin runner) shows the heart and talent Gaskin has, I can’t help but get behind him. So, I hope it brought you some enjoyment and made you a real fan of this tough and talented kid. Go Phins!!! — All the Important Betting Terms Explained.–