No Drake, no Walton, Miami Dolphins need to find a running back
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins moved on from running back Kenyan Drake, their former third round draft pick and on Tuesday they waived Mark Walton.
After Mark Walton’s suspension, fans wondered if the Miami Dolphins would turn to Myles Gaskin or maybe Patrick Laird to handle the running back duties, but instead the Dolphins went back to Kalen Ballage who has not had a big impact on the offense this year.
Miami believes they have something in Ballage but it shouldn’t be considered long-term. Whether during free agency or the NFL Draft in April, the Dolphins need to figure out the position. It might be a good idea to see what Gaskin and Laird can do first.
Last Sunday, Patrick Laird had one rush for seven yards. Two shy of Ballage’s nine carries for nine yard total. Combined with receiving, Laird posted a 53 yard day. He should get more time with the offense to show what he can do.
This season, Ballage has rushed for 122 yards on 64 carries for a 1.9 yards per average. Say all you want about the Dolphins offensive line struggles, this is pathetic and other runners have had more success. Kenyan Drake ran far better.
More from Phin Phanatic
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
- Miami Dolphins don’t need CB help but these 5 could be available at 51
- 4 players that could replace Wilkins if Miami Dolphins don’t re-sign him
- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
- The Miami Dolphins should not take a running back in the draft
Speaking of Drake, it is another case of former Miami Dolphins and a change of scenery. Drake has looked good through three games. He has 41 rushes for 212 yards and one touchdown. Last weekend he posted 67 yards on the ground and added another 13 in the passing game.
Miami has been using a turnstile for their running backs room. It dates back to Lamar Miller who was allowed to leave in free agency because the Dolphins had Jay Ajayi. Ajayi looked good but didn’t mesh with Adam Gase so he was shipped off to Philly in a trade because the Dolphins had Kenyan Drake. Drake in turn became expendable because of Ballage and now, Ballage is likely to be expendable after the season because he isn’t playing very well.
The Dolphins have a lot of draft picks next April so using one on a running back is likely and probably smart but they also have a ton of cap space and there may be some quality running backs available on the free agent market.
Doesn’t matter where they get one from but Miami needs to find one.