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

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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Myles Gaskin
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 26: Myles Gaskin #37 of the Miami Dolphins reacts to missed chance during a 26-25 Dolphins win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

The Miami Dolphins shifted focus yet again in 2019 dropping their value of the position further down the draft boards.

Chris Grier took over as the undisputed general manager in 2019. There was no longer a trio of executives making the decisions. It was now the Chris Grier and Brian Flores show. The Dolphins who had over the previous seven seasons drafted the players we mentioned in the previous slide, the shift now went further down.

Miami will draft four players in three seasons at the position with two coming in 2019 but all of them in the 7th round. Chandler Cox is no longer on the roster and was a fullback so he can get a pass somewhat. Myles Gaskin was also taken in round seven that year.

Gaskin is the leading candidate to start in 2021. In his two seasons with Miami, he has 717 yards rushing on 178 attempts with four scores. He also has 48 receptions for another 439 yards and two scores. Most of this production came last season when he assumed the starter role. He only played in 10 games last year and only started in seven.

In 2020, the Dolphins drafted Malcolm Perry is a hybrid receiver, running back, and former Navy quarterback. The utility knife may not make it to the roster this year.

Finally, this past April, the Dolphins once again are kicking the tires on Gerrid Doaks, another 7th round running back.

Clearly, the Dolphins’ focus has shifted to taking chances on 7th round picks who are simply low-risk, high-reward players. If they don’t work out, they don’t lose anything but a 7th round draft pick.