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.
Sure, Miami added Malcolm Brown, who is a bigger more powerful running back. But after 6 years in the league, he’s nothing more than a complementary back.
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.