Is Jay Ajayi going to carry the load?

The Miami Dolphins held their pre-draft press conference today and Jay Ajayi was brought up as was other prospective running backs in this years draft.

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While neither general manager Chris Grier or Mike Tannebaum said much during today’s press conference, both men were asked about the running back situation and as was the norm for the entire presser, neither offered much in the way of knowing what the Dolphins plans would be at the position in this years draft.

"“I think we’re comfortable. I think (with) Coach (Adam) Gase’s history of what he has done with running backs, these guys all fit what he’s looking for in terms of their skillsets. But again, we’ll take any opportunity we can to add at any position if it’s a good football player.” – via the Miami Herald."

The comment was referencing Jay Ajayi, Isaiah Pead, Damien Williams, and Daniel Thomas. None of the running backs ellicit an exciting vision but Ajayi, entering his 2nd season as a pro has shown the flash that Dolphins fans were hoping for when the Dolphins selected him in the 5th round last year.

Ajax is a capable runner and he has the ability to carry the load for the team. Durability however is the concern. Ajayi missed time during his senior college season which dropped his stock. A fortuitous drop for the Dolphins. During pre-season however he suffered a chest injury that kept him off the field for the first half of the season. When he was healthy, Ajayi showed all the skill sets that had him rated as one of the top runners in the 2015 draft prior to his injury in college.

A hard runner who has the ability to break tackles, Ajayi hits the line quickly and without hesitation but his recent history with injuries is a concern not for him, but for the depth behind him. Pead played well at times with the Rams but isn’t considered a full time back or even a legitimate option in a full-time rotation. Williams has played well but has been inconsistent and we all remember Daniel Thomas’ time in Miami as less that exciting.

The Dolphins may or may not be hoping that Ezekiel Elliot falls to 13. They were asked about Elliot at today’s press conference.

"“He’s a good player. He’s a good football player. There are a lot of good football players in this draft. I know you guys all know he came in here to visit. He’s a good kid, so we enjoyed spending time with him. There are a lot of good players in this draft, and he’s one of them.” – via the Miami Herald."

Like the entire presser, if the Dolphins have interest in Elliot they are not saying. And that is the way it should be. The draft is literally a week away and fans will know who Miami selects in round soon but not soon enough. Elliot could be the bell cow back in Miami and would be an ideal fit with Adam Gase’s offense. He and Jay Ajayi would be a dynamic offensive combination that would allow Miami to play the hot runner or alternate between them every series.

With so many positions of need this year it’s hard to tell where the Dolphins are looking but we do know that corner back, linebacker, and offensive line should be priorities. Running back? That all depends on what the team thinks about the quartet they have on the roster now.