Miami Dolphins running back situation ahead of 2018
By Brian Miller
When the Miami Dolphins traded Jay Ajayi to the Eagles it created a hole at the position that was filled quickly by Kenyan Drake. Now that the season is over, the Dolphins will need to address the depth at the position.
Kenyan Drake quickly made fans forget about Jay Ajayi and Ajayi’s role in Philadelphia’s offense didn’t do much PR damage to the Dolphins. Miami found that they had a legit starting running back in Drake and he is someone who the team can start to build around. They will need to add more pieces of course.
The biggest question is what will happen with Damien Williams. Williams was supposed to be the lead runner before being hurt and placed on IR. He is scheduled to be a free agent this March. In 2017 Williams was a free agent and reluctantly signed the tender offer Miami had given him. That will not likely be the case this year but it also creates a problem for the Dolphins and for Williams.
As it concerns Williams, his injury will not help him in free agency and for the Dolphins that injury may keep them shying away from bringing him back. It will be interesting to see how both sides maneuver the waters ahead.
Beyond Williams and Drake are a couple of unknowns as well. Senorise Perry and De’Veon Smith. Neither player is considered close to a lock for the roster in 2018 and even the uncertainty surrounding Williams’ future doesn’t make it easier for either runner to earn a roster spot.
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This is a reason that many are starting to believe that Miami will make another run at Denver running back C.J. Anderson. Anderson was given a contract offer in 2016 by the Dolphins but it was matched by the Broncos. Now entering year three of that four-year deal, the Broncos may need to release Anderson to save salary cap space. He carries no dead salary if cut or traded.
Miami’s interest however may be only rumor. The Dolphins have found success in the last six years with late to mid-round running backs. They drafted Lamar Miller, 2012, in the fourth round than Jay Ajayi, 2015, in the 5th round. Now they are running 2016’s 3rd rounder Kenyan Drake.
Look for the Dolphins to bring some veteran running backs into the fold but Miami is very likely to use a 4th or 5th round pick on another running back.
Overall the running back position while it needs to be addressed for depth isn’t in a bad situation right now and if Williams does return then Miami will have a better pass catching runner on the roster.