Phin Phanatic
FanSided

The Miami Dolphins lack of running back priority is hurting the team

By Brian Miller

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 20: Kenyan Drake #32 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on October 20, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo beats Miami 31 to 21. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 20: Kenyan Drake #32 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on October 20, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo beats Miami 31 to 21. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Daniel Thomas #30 of the Miami Dolphins rushes during a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium on September 1, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – SEPTEMBER 01: Daniel Thomas #30 of the Miami Dolphins rushes during a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium on September 1, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

The last time the Miami Dolphins put a high value on a running back in the draft, was back in 2011 and it would be the start of a shifting focus.

Jeff Ireland was still in charge of the Dolphins draft and in 2011, the internal problems of the Dolphins were spilling into the team itself. Tony Sparano would be replaced 13 games into the season but if we back up to the draft, the addition of Daniel Thomas did not help.

Thomas spent four seasons with the Dolphins after being drafted in the 2nd round. Ireland actually traded into the second round to take the Kansas running back with a high ceiling and a lot of potential.

In his four years with Miami, Thomas managed only 1,480 yards rushing. He only started three games of a possible 52. He only scored 10 touchdowns in that time and was really a non-factor in the passing game.

Thomas remains the highest-drafted running back since Ronnie Brown in 2006. After his fourth season, Thomas was out of the NFL, and Miami’s priority on runners would not be the same.

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