Phins rumored connection to two players raises an eyebrow
The latest rumors about the Dolphins interest in Browns Running Back Duke Johnson and former Patriots Tight End Dwayne Allen raise an eyebrow… and questions.
First, let me emphasize, these are just rumors—at this point. But they were published on Bleacher Report so they have some credence…
… It’s not as if they are just being reported by some jackass blogger giving his opinion!
Heaven forbid we pay attention to ‘stuff’ like that.
Now, in my opinion, it’s very curious two ‘crowded’ positions on the Dolphins roster are attempting to be ‘upgraded’.
The pay per head services were betting cornerback, D-Line, linebacker, or O-Line would be where Miami would focus their attention on.
On the surface, the Phins appear ‘deep’ at both positions. Are they in the minds of this new regime, though.
So what gives?
Current Running Backs on the Dolphins roster:
- Kenyan Drake: 3rd Round Pick entering the final year of his contract. Flashed greatness, but still needs evaluation. Will he get this evaluation with a new RB taking carries from him?
- Kalen Ballage: 4th Round Pick in his sophomore season. ‘Missing’ on Maurice Hurst to get Ballage makes this pick a ‘must’ to pan out.
- Frank Gore: HOFer, but old… still he’s an RFA and would fit perfectly as 3rd back or insurance policy. He’s been told Miami is on the fence with him. Gore is in a holding pattern to see if something else works out or not.
- Branden Bolden: Special Team ace who’s well acquainted with Flores. He is also who has proved he can perform.
As much as I love Frank Gore, I understand that he makes little sense for this team’s current path. Bolden is perfect for a 3rd RB… Maybe they want four quality RBs? The Pats system usually goes pretty deep at RB. Or are they looking at Johnson as more than just a 3rd back in the rotation?
Duke Johnson is entering his 5th season and was a 3rd Round pick in 2015. He has shown flashes but never had over 104 carries in a season.
You can check his highlights here. His tape pops.
Still, why pay a 3rd to 4th Round Pick on a part-time back? Is it wise to have that many mid-round picks invested in RBs on a rebuilding team? Also, while the Browns would soak the guaranteed money, his contract escalates to a sizable amount in 2020 and 2021.
As per Spotrac
Does Drake fit in this scenario as a looming Free Agent?
Is this move intended to push Drake or replace him?
Maybe Ballage is the odd man out?
Maybe the plan is to have a deep and loaded backfield?
Whatever the scenario is, if they acquire Johnson, it will be very interesting.
The Tight End rumor is even more curious.
Tight Ends on the Dolphins roster:
- Mike Gesicki: 2nd Round Pick who was expected to be a large contributor. Wasn’t very effective at any aspect of his game.
- Durham Smythe: 4th Round Pick drafted to be a blocking TE. He improved as a blocker, but O’Leary was Miami’s best inline blocker.
- Nick O’Leary: A surprise that earned an extension. Was one of the best blocking TE’s in the NFL in 2018. He also contributed in the passing game.
Allen contributed little in the passing game and only made 16 starts in New England over the last two years.
Again, paying for Allen in FA means it will be at a premium. Why? The same questions asked about the Running Back could be asked here.
Phinsnews talked in the last article about the painful moves coming, but this, if true, is a bit out of left field. Still, this could simply be that the Dolphins are moving towards a very physical philosophy. Who would complain about that? There was a time long, long ago where the Dolphins used three running backs very effectively. Wild days are coming… hopefully they are good ones too. Go Phins!!!