Is it a matter of when, not if, the Phins draft a running back?
Last year, before the draft, Phins News went over numerous running backs that would be great picks for Miami Dolphins. In retrospect, General Manager Chris Grier could have used his last of three 1st Round picks or their early 2nd Rounder to land Jonathan Taylor, J.K. Dobbins, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Cam Akers, or D’Andre Swift. Instead, Miami decided to draft other positions and take a flier trade on Matt Breida to fill the gap. Unfortunately, this strategy did not work out well for us.
A good RB is a QB’s best friend
Any of the best sports betting software providers will tell you the best medicine for a young QB is a stout rushing attack. Miami got some surprising production from a pair of Washington University running backs in Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed in 2020. However, they are similar shifty and quick runners, who lack size. Neither has the power to pound the middle of the defense and batter defenders until they are worn and weary the fourth quarter.
So that leads us to the 2021 Draft where Miami will be in a similar position as last year with two opportunities to select a stud runner. With either their 18th pick or maybe even the 36th Overall pick in the draft, they’ll be able to select one of the top three running backs in this draft.
A lot of analysts say 18th is too early to pick a running back, but my argument is a Pro Bowl running back is never too early to draft… If Harris does eventually become one. Selecting a running back at 18th all but guarantees that we will have the pick of the litter in the running back class. While you can find runners later in the draft the Phins need to help Tua, they a pair of first and second-round picks, so they can afford to take some early risks by ‘slightly over drafting’.Be a Bookmaker – How Hard Can It Be?
The three top RB candidates in the 2021 Draft
The top three running backs are Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, and Javonte Williams. I still favor Harris because he’s the biggest of the bunch, played with Tua, was super productive, and Alabama has a long history of producing successful NFL running backs. However, selecting any of these players would thrill me.
The problem with using the 18th pick is there is a high probability that a very good defender slides to #18… especially if we see 5 QB’s selected before the 18th pick. We’ll also likely see at least 3 wide receivers, a tight end, and possibly 2 offensive linemen. If a stud defender does slide, knowing Coach Flores penchant for defense and this organization’s lack of valuing of a running back, they won’t select a runner at #18. Unfortunately, if Miami doesn’t select a running back at #18, there is a chance Harris and Etienne will be gone by their next pick.
I’m hoping to at least draft Williams, but I worry if he’ll available at #36. Waiting for 18 picks to pass before we can draft a running back at #36 would be a real nailbiter. After not reading the running back class correctly last year, I hope they don’t make the same mistake this draft by waiting too long to select one!
What are the thoughts of you Phins News fans on how Miami will and should approach the running back position in the 2021 Draft? How to Find the Cheapest Pay Per Head Service for Online Betting Business.
Thank you. I am not comfortable with a trade back if it is too far back. Team needs to draft then either Chase, Smith, or another top flight WR to give Tua weapons. I have heard that they are looking to trade down to #4! At least that is what Mel Kiper has been saying. Tua needs weapons if he is to succeed. With the addition of Fluker we add more OL depth and some quality talent! We could draft a top flight RT in the 2nd too!
I like one of the Wrs in the 20’s, Steve: WR Rashod Bateman. I’m not #6 high on Waddle or Smith. In fact, I’m not crazy about Chase at #6 with two 1sts attached. This is a deep draft for WRs. We have a good group already… depending on Pitts or not. We could use one of these young Wrs… but, the history of Wrs in the draft in the Top 10 over the last 10 years isn’t a good one. My take is a better OL and run game would help Tua out more than a quality receiver at this stage. But, I could always be wrong., brother…. Fluker could be something or nothing. I like that kid Jenkins as a T. Hunt would be sooo much better inside at RG. Just remember, Tua has weapons. Fitz made Parker the 5th best Wr in 2019, Gaskin is a weapon out of the backfield, and Gesicki isn’t chum in the water… Albert was a force before his injury, too. Add in Fuller and Bowden Jr! Tua has more weapons than many Qbs in this league, Steve. The problem was he played poorly in 2020 and didn’t utlizie them. At the end of the season, he did lose some, but… Tua had a big hand in what came to be and it wasn’t all about ‘him not having nuthin’. He was a rookie and coming off an injury… he deserved a mulligan for sure… this year, he’ll have everything he needs. Let’s just hope he rises!
Running backs that can catch are a first round value. Running backs that are road graders and catch are special. Harris is worth a #18 for sure but i doubt of he is still on the board
You know, Van… I was off the fence of RB at #18… then sorta’ got on because Harris is such a specimen… but, I’m leaning off again because I like Williams at ton… and I think they could have a better deal at #18. My main problem is this Oline isn’t a good mesh for a power back. Look at Ballage to Howard. None found success behind our line… But, Gaskin and Ahmed did. I like Wiliams because he is a more powerful version of this type of style. Harris is excellent at receiving and with power… I just don’t think he meshes well with our OL. I’d prefer a Tackle at #18. That’s just my tastes though… but, I wouldn’t hate Harris at #18. I do think he’ll be there… but, to your point, he could be gone a few spots early… maybe to Arizona, Philly or Chargers? Raiders, Pats, Vikes, Giants. and Dallas all won’t take him.
Totally agree! It has been said that every QB needs a running back. We have not had a dominant beast since Ricky Williams at RB. It has been stated that at #6 Miami will take either Pitts or Chase. The more pressing need is at WR vs. TE. Pitts would be a great pick up, but we already have a playmaking TE in Gesecki. Smythe is coming along too. However, at WR/WO, we are lacking quality depth. Parker and Williams are a very formidable pair when healthy. When healthy is the operative word! Both have been prone to miss several games at a time due to injuries. So while me and MJ both really like Pitts and are rooting for him, perhaps Jamar Chase or even Devonta Smith might be the more pressing need. Regarding the RB, yes at #18 we could have our pick of any (3) top RB’s. I have heard that the team is very high on Alabama’s RB! Miami has close ties to Alabama and Nick Saban as do a few other teams, Pats included. It has been rumored that Miaimi may drop back to say #22 in a trade with Titans to secure more picks and still have at least (2) of the top RB’s available. We shall see. At #18, it has also been said that a DE/Edge player could be taken, especially with Flores’ penchant for defensive players. Finally, I think if the team was all in or bust on Pitts, why trade out from their original #3 position? This would have ensured that they get their man in Pitts. It should be very interesting regarding this draft. I agree with MJ that it’s really about quality vs. quantity at this point. We need at least (3) solid play makers to help push this team forward into the playoff and perhaps beyond. You don’t win in the playoffs and beyond if you don’t have some excellence on both sides of the ball! Most pressing is the QB position. Just look at Tampa with Brady!
RICKY! He made me watch the Dolphins seriously again after the Stache took over. The loss of Shula, jimmy quitting midway through his job, and then Marino to have the Stache take over was the first time I didn’t get excited about the Phins. I love Ricky in college… when he bacame a Phins I was all in again… Stache or not. Of course, the Stache was part of the reason for Ricky running into problems… anyway… This was Jimmy’s and though i love the idea of a RB at some point… it’s a bit high for me and Harris isn’t the back for this Oline. This Oline works well with scatbacks and shifty runners because they aren’t good run blockers. Harris wouldn’t thrive. I’d much rather Williams in the 2nd… or Etiene if he’s around. I hear a trade back at #6 is getting atalked about… many thought I was crazy when the trade happened… but, a trade back does seem to have some legs now… if Pitts isn’t there. I’m starting to like OL Teven Jenkins because he is a very physical run blocker and pairing him with Hunt could be very nice. Not sold mind you… still thinking it over… but, with a trade back I might be very inclined. I need to do a mock draft of my own at some point…. at least in my head. QB is ourt biggest ?… Tua will make or break this year. I think Brissett can make us comptitent, but we need a QB who can elevate us. My fear is the Pats will draft a quality QB and then everyone will have a quality and if Tua due to health can’t rise, we are screwed! The trade back would bring a hedge… we must have a plan B for Tua… incase he doesn’t rise to excellence. I’m so looking forward to seeing his velocity on the ball, Steve!
Jimmy,
Thank you. I am not comfortable with a trade back if it is too far back. Team needs to draft then either Chase, Smith, or another top flight WR to give Tua weapons. I have heard that they are looking to trade down to #4! At least that is what Mel Kiper has been saying. Tua needs weapons if he is to succeed. With the addition of Fluker we add more OL depth and some quality talent! We could draft a top flight RT in the 2nd too!
I like one of the Wrs in the 20’s, Steve: WR Rashod Bateman. I’m not #6 high on Waddle or Smith. In fact, I’m not crazy about Chase at #6 with two 1sts attached. This is a deep draft for WRs. We have a good group already… depending on Pitts or not. We could use one of these young Wrs… but, the history of Wrs in the draft in the Top 10 over the last 10 years isn’t a good one. My take is a better OL and run game would help Tua out more than a quality receiver at this stage. But, I could always be wrong., brother…. Fluker could be something or nothing. I like that kid Jenkins as a T. Hunt would be sooo much better inside at RG. Just remember, Tua has weapons. Fitz made Parker the 5th best Wr in 2019, Gaskin is a weapon out of the backfield, and Gesicki isn’t chum in the water… Albert was a force before his injury, too. Add in Fuller and Bowden Jr! Tua has more weapons than many Qbs in this league, Steve. The problem was he played poorly in 2020 and didn’t utlizie them. At the end of the season, he did lose some, but… Tua had a big hand in what came to be and it wasn’t all about ‘him not having nuthin’. He was a rookie and coming off an injury… he deserved a mulligan for sure… this year, he’ll have everything he needs. Let’s just hope he rises!
Running backs that can catch are a first round value. Running backs that are road graders and catch are special. Harris is worth a #18 for sure but i doubt of he is still on the board
You know, Van… I was off the fence of RB at #18… then sorta’ got on because Harris is such a specimen… but, I’m leaning off again because I like Williams at ton… and I think they could have a better deal at #18. My main problem is this Oline isn’t a good mesh for a power back. Look at Ballage to Howard. None found success behind our line… But, Gaskin and Ahmed did. I like Wiliams because he is a more powerful version of this type of style. Harris is excellent at receiving and with power… I just don’t think he meshes well with our OL. I’d prefer a Tackle at #18. That’s just my tastes though… but, I wouldn’t hate Harris at #18. I do think he’ll be there… but, to your point, he could be gone a few spots early… maybe to Arizona, Philly or Chargers? Raiders, Pats, Vikes, Giants. and Dallas all won’t take him.
Jimmy,
Totally agree! It has been said that every QB needs a running back. We have not had a dominant beast since Ricky Williams at RB. It has been stated that at #6 Miami will take either Pitts or Chase. The more pressing need is at WR vs. TE. Pitts would be a great pick up, but we already have a playmaking TE in Gesecki. Smythe is coming along too. However, at WR/WO, we are lacking quality depth. Parker and Williams are a very formidable pair when healthy. When healthy is the operative word! Both have been prone to miss several games at a time due to injuries. So while me and MJ both really like Pitts and are rooting for him, perhaps Jamar Chase or even Devonta Smith might be the more pressing need.
Regarding the RB, yes at #18 we could have our pick of any (3) top RB’s. I have heard that the team is very high on Alabama’s RB! Miami has close ties to Alabama and Nick Saban as do a few other teams, Pats included. It has been rumored that Miaimi may drop back to say #22 in a trade with Titans to secure more picks and still have at least (2) of the top RB’s available. We shall see. At #18, it has also been said that a DE/Edge player could be taken, especially with Flores’ penchant for defensive players. Finally, I think if the team was all in or bust on Pitts, why trade out from their original #3 position? This would have ensured that they get their man in Pitts. It should be very interesting regarding this draft. I agree with MJ that it’s really about quality vs. quantity at this point. We need at least (3) solid play makers to help push this team forward into the playoff and perhaps beyond. You don’t win in the playoffs and beyond if you don’t have some excellence on both sides of the ball! Most pressing is the QB position. Just look at Tampa with Brady!
RICKY! He made me watch the Dolphins seriously again after the Stache took over. The loss of Shula, jimmy quitting midway through his job, and then Marino to have the Stache take over was the first time I didn’t get excited about the Phins. I love Ricky in college… when he bacame a Phins I was all in again… Stache or not. Of course, the Stache was part of the reason for Ricky running into problems… anyway… This was Jimmy’s and though i love the idea of a RB at some point… it’s a bit high for me and Harris isn’t the back for this Oline. This Oline works well with scatbacks and shifty runners because they aren’t good run blockers. Harris wouldn’t thrive. I’d much rather Williams in the 2nd… or Etiene if he’s around. I hear a trade back at #6 is getting atalked about… many thought I was crazy when the trade happened… but, a trade back does seem to have some legs now… if Pitts isn’t there. I’m starting to like OL Teven Jenkins because he is a very physical run blocker and pairing him with Hunt could be very nice. Not sold mind you… still thinking it over… but, with a trade back I might be very inclined. I need to do a mock draft of my own at some point…. at least in my head. QB is ourt biggest ?… Tua will make or break this year. I think Brissett can make us comptitent, but we need a QB who can elevate us. My fear is the Pats will draft a quality QB and then everyone will have a quality and if Tua due to health can’t rise, we are screwed! The trade back would bring a hedge… we must have a plan B for Tua… incase he doesn’t rise to excellence. I’m so looking forward to seeing his velocity on the ball, Steve!