Phins Running Backs Post Draft
Miami lands their new back late in the draft
I’ll admit, after watching us fail to draft a Running back round after round, by the 3rd round I was furious. Clearly, the Dolphins don’t value running backs, especially after having multiple 1st and 2nd Round picks in a row and still passing on a top tier running back prospect. It was extra aggravating when I read a report that said Miami was actively trying to trade back into the 1st round to get ahead of the Steelers so they could select Najee Harris. As long as Harris stays healthy, he’ll be an absolute beast with the Steelers for years to come. Why couldn’t it be us?
I figure many of you Phins fans felt the same way.
Poor luck, poor planning, or the plan?
All that talk of teams not drafting a Running back in the 1st Round, and the first team to select one is a perennial playoff team, has had very good running game for decades, and won 6 Super Bowls. So forgive me for being sour, but I think it’s easy to see that the Steelers know the importance of a solid rushing attack. They had no problem using their only first round pick on the top running back prospect in the draft.
Maybe the Steelers know what they are doing?
Let’s hope the Phins do.
With ALL that being said, I sure hope Jaelan Phillips can prove me wrong and turn out to be a better NFL player then Harris. Well, to be fair to Doaks, I hope he at least proves to be effective and can numb a bit the hurt of missing out on Harris.
3 strikes and you’re out!?
Not only did Miami miss out of Harris, but they missed out on Etienne and then got jumped by the Broncos, who selected Williams. This one might have hurt the most. The Broncos said they traded up in front of the Dolphins because they believed Miami was going to draft him.
This was another reason why we should have just drafted a running back of our choice at 18. Yes, Phillips has special talent… but, all those injuries!
Instead, we didn’t even bother drafting a running back until our last pick in the 7th Round with Cincinnati running back Gerrid Doaks. Now I’ll be a downer here to some, but not only was he a 7th Round pick, over 3 years in the less competitive American Conference, Doaks didn’t have earth shattering stats.
Looking over Doaks career
Doak’s best season was his senior year where he ran for 673 years, 7 touchdowns with14 catches for 202 yards, and 2 touchdowns. However, he did have a decent career yards per carry average of his three years of 5.2 yards per carry on 331 rushing attempts, which is very solid in college. In addition, he’s a bigger back at 230 pounds, so hopefully this pays off and Miami strikes gold here.
Either way, this shows once again Miami doesn’t value running backs at all. I don’t understand because historically, besides QB, running backs have collected the most MVPs. I bring this up because a very good running back can put a team on his back and carry it to the playoffs. Just look at Derrick Henry!
I’m not saying we need that type of running back, but it would be nice to have a stud running back that could make our offense more balanced.
Run, Ricky! Run!
What we have is alright!
Nothing against Gaskin, Ahmed, and Brown, but I just don’t see any superstars in that bunch. And Gaskin and Ahmed showed they weren’t as durable as hoped. Both missed games due to injuries last year. That’s two years in a row for Gaskin, if you are counting.
So, it would have been nice to get a top running back prospect added to this group for competition and a safety net if one of them gets injured… again. I believe a playoff team needs a quality running game. Coach Flores hasn’t been given much talent to help his rushing attack, and it’s been two years with a terrible run game.
Next draft we won’t have two 1st and 2nd Round picks, so I don’t have much hope that we’ll draft a running back high next year either. Let’s hope we get a big surprise from one of the runners on the roster!
What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans’ thoughts of our lack of desire to address our running game this draft?
Admin
Miles Gaskins was high on my late draft list when he played with Washington, He also broke many records with the Huskies all times leading rusher.
https://youtu.be/S52v3k5GQ20
I’m a big fan of Gaskin and I wanted Williams to pair with him… but, Gaskin is an exceptional back… doing a film study now to show just how good the kid is. His two issues is health and lack of size when things get tea cupped. Other than that he’s aces. His pass protection needs to improve a bit more too. Made a huge jump from 2019 to 2020.
We are the fans who pay to watch either in person are cable, Can’t we watch the best on the field. I don’t believe the Dolphins intended to draft a top running back period. The 2021 draft selection were nice additions. Back to RB’s Naji Harris, Devante Williams, Trey Sermon Ohio State 88 picks BEST FOR FINS.
There were many more RB to select from.
season we enjoyed of the RB
Jay Ajayi top runs
https://youtu.be/oAwdHxQ3O2U
Ricky Williams
https://youtu.be/fK0YLijEV9A
Hey, Steve! The Williams miss hurt me… but, I really like Gaskin and think Doak was a great pick late. The kid can run and fills a big need… can he stay healthy though? Phillips staying healthy will be a huge piece. If the kid does and gets close to his talent it was worth it… question is will he? Phins have a ton of picks with question marks that must become exclamation marks.
We may have just missed out on one of the 3 top RBs in this years draft; however, this may have been a blessing in disquise.Holland (was drafted at 36 instead of Williams) is the real deal and our defense is the strength of our team, so this pick may have lifted our defense another notch, from good to great, from great to elite. Any running game starts with the O-Line, regardless who your RB is. It seems that the O-Line facelift is complete is real close to it. Don’t underestimate the RB group we have now. Give Doaks a chance, I understand that 7th rounders don’t amount to much majority of the time, but I like his make-up: he’s built like a bowling ball (ALA- Maurice Jones-Drew), he’s played big time football. Yea we missed our RB by 1 pick possibly, but look at it on the bright side, instead of Williams, we got a starting Safety, a safety that has the ability to play in several spots an every down, right up Flores alley. Stay calm Fin Fans, the process is not quite over, June 1st cuts may provide the Fins with a surprise RB for the next few years, if not, I feel that Doaks could be good for 3yds and a cloud of dust. Afterall; 3yds and a cloud of dust per play wins you the game every time…… Loved the draft, can’t wait to see if Tua takes the next step or if he becomes another Rosen…. FINS UP BABY
“Any running game starts with the O-Line, regardless who your RB is.” Agree!
Doaks is a good runner and I love the pick… can he stay healthy. I’m a big fan of Gaskin. Kid can run. I did have my little heart set on Williams. But, we need to limit the passing game even moreso than the run game. But, again, if the Ol can run block we have enough RB talent to be good enough. My concern is we spent two 1sts on a receiver and the #18 on a player with a long injury history. Waddle is the next Deshaun Jackson… then we win and if Phillips can stay healthy a big win. For me, the velocity that Tua throws with will be the biggest hurdle. If his velocity picks up, then I’m very confident in time the rest of his game will rise. This will be a tell-all year for all this regime has done… can’t wait to see.
Fin Fans
Dunn / Steve
Keeping it calm.
Go Dolphins!
It’s impossible to fill every need and stick to your board. Being forced to fill needs either cost additional assets (To move up) or forces you to reach. Miami played it correctly in my opinion. We’re rebuilding and next year’s draft will give us another opportunity to upgrade the position should they find it necessary. Phillips will be a solid player in time, if not right away.
Hey, Michael… they did reach for Waddle. They spent a pretty penny too. Way overvalue…but! If Waddle can be DeShaun Jackson 2.0. and Phillips can stay healthy, the combo will be a much higher value than what was spent. I liked Doaks late and Echinburg and Holland. The TE I’m still looking over… the potential is there. Last year’s 1st Rounders need to step up as well. If all this comes into fruition, then look out! Now, with that said, I’m as hopeful as concerned. It will take brilliance and a good deal of luck to pull all this together. If they do though… then we Phins fans have found what we have been waiting a loooong time for. Really excited to see the preseason… it will tell us a ton!!!!
Jimmy,
I too am disappointed that we did not draft one of the top 3 RB’s. However, I understand #18 and DE. This was a big vacant need after loosing Lawson. I also understand the safety pick at #36, but it took me a while. Our last two games in 2020 vs. the Raiders and Bills had our secondary giving up huge yardage especially down the middle. We have strong CB’s, but our safety play has been weak, especially over the top. To be honest, I have never really liked Bobby McCain that much. He was a decent slot CB, but was a liability as a boundry CB and aslo as a safety. He lacks range, and closing speed! Against the Raiders the game plan was to take away a very solid RB in Jacobs. Our LB’s and Safeties also crep up to the line to help support the run. The Raiders senta very good TE in Waller right downt he seam and he had a huge game. I think he had 2 TD’s, plus a ton of yardage. Next vs. the Bills we give up 56 points and a ton our air yardage and scores. My point is that in a pass happy league, you have to be able to defend the pass. With all the off-season moves on defense, it is our hope to put opposing offenses in 2nd and long/3rd and long more often. We will need to strengthen our back-end. Bryan Jones -Rookie Safety last year out of Texas appears to be a good prospect, and his developing. However, his developmental progress plus McCains’s inability to be a quality safety hurt this team. So, while I wanted us to trade up and jump Denver or others to get one of the top RB’s I understand that Flores wants to fill holes too. It will be interesting to see if a FA RB comes in or if we stick with what we have? Also I can envision UDFA RB coming in along with obviously other positions too like punter, etc. Bottom line is that Flores, Grier, Allen have done a real good job the past two seasons. Their philosophy is to build the trenches up front, followed by a strong stout, physical defense. The OL should be more physical too. If the OL really improves, then Doaks and company should do very well. Overall the team did well picking up playmakers at WR, DE, TE. Eichenberg out of Notre Dame has a chance to start at LT. The kid has not allowed a sack since 2018! I think Austin Jackson moves to RT to protect Tua’s blind side. The other T Coleman has the 2nd largest wing span of any T in college. He is developmental but has upside. Both the tackles we drafted are same size, 6’6″ 305 Lbs. Long arms and not too heavy and slow of foot. I am interested in what other FA’s and UDFA’s we bring in. Only time will tell how this draft went, but the “build it up front” frist and dominate has been the moto!
Sure I was disappointed that Denver jumped right in front of us and stole our pick = RB. Then again, I’m not so sure Holland wasn’t their choice at 36 all along. Denver just returned the favor, apparently Denver was looking to trade back into the first round to select Phillips. As we alluded to last week, Miami was not going to take a RB at 18 and that pick 36 seemed to be the spot and a shot at 1 of the top 3 RBs. We were almost spot on; however’ Jaguars took a RB at 25, which was a surprise to all, unfortunately.
Think about our picks:
6) The top WR in many eyes, if not, definitely the top 3 at a position of need.
HOMERUN
18) The top DE in the draft, and if not for injury (concussions) concern would have been a top 10 pick at a position of need
. HOMERUN
36) The top safety in Miami’s eyes, and if he didn’t opt out in 2020, again would have been a first round pick at a position of need.
HOMERUN
41) One of the top OT in draft, one that some had going in the end of first round, at a position of need.
HOMERUN
81) OUtside of the freak Pitts, Long was head and shoulders the best TE.
HOMERUN
231/244) A developmental project and hopefully the steal of the draft = Doaks.
Yea, we may have missed one of the top RBs, but the draft itself for Miami was superb. You never know, picks like #199 (Brady) don’t come around to often, maybe it is pick 244 this year……..
Dunner!!! Hope all is well, brother!!!
Williams was a big want for me, Dunner. BIG! But, I love Gaskin and like Doaks and think the OLine is more important. Honestly, I see the huge potential for this draft, but also the precarious nature of some of the key picks. This, just like the last, is one of those we are smarter than you drafts… it will shock the world or backfire.
This is a make or break season for this regime. They don’t need all world production and achievements, but we need to see some keys pieces step forward… starting with Tua. His recovery and rebalance is the pinfeather. He looked weaker in the Bills game than his start against the Rams. Kid was clearly battling through a lot. How he looks this year with health and velocity will be who he is… can’t wait to see where he’s at. If he can reach 90% of his 2018 health and velocity, then the future is very bright. your points on this year’s picks are very accurate… And near my thoughts… although, the Waddle pick has me very concerned. I’m not high on WRs that early and with the two 1sts… but, DeShaun Jackson 2.0 would be a very nice thing for Tua and this O! Maybe I’m too old school… this draft will learn me though if it pans out.
Excellent post, Stephen.
“I also understand the safety pick at #36, but it took me a while.” Same here… Williams was a thing for me!
“I have never really liked Bobby McCain that much.” Bobby is very good QBing the secondary and keeping things in front of him, but small and doesn’t make big plays. I too think he was better a slot.
“The kid has not allowed a sack since 2018! I think Austin Jackson moves to RT to protect Tua’s blind side.” Think this as well.
This is a HUGE year. Tua, Jackson, Igbo must step up substantilly. Waddle needs to flash hard and Phillips stay healthy. Echenburg also needs to show, although he might take time to grab the starting reigns. If this comes through… look out. The first big test will be Tua’s healthy and the velocity of his ball… he got waeker as the seaosn progressed last year. Kids needed this offseason… I’m both very nervous and very excited to see how he looks.