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

While the Miami Dolphins have stumbled through their running back routines in the draft, the real failures have come with their decisions in the market and trades.

The last time the Dolphins successfully traded for a running back came back in 2011 when the Dolphins obtained Reggie Bush in a deal with the Saints. Bush was productive for the Dolphins but his time in Miami was short. He played two seasons with the Dolphins total over 2,090 yards. Miami opted to not re-sign him and roll with Lamar Miller who was taken in 2012’s draft.

Miami tried to fix their running game last year when they traded a 5th round pick to the 49ers for Matt Breida. Breida was an explosive and fast pass-catching running back but he didn’t seem to fit with Miami. He lasted last year alone.

In free agency, the Dolphins spent money on Jordan Howard, he didn’t last a month into the regular season before he was cut last year. They tried an aging Frank Gore, they tried Arian Foster, aside from Gore, no one really worked out and Gore was gone after his lone season.

It was reported that the Dolphins were hoping to land Aaron Jones this past off-season but whether it was for financial reasons or a low-ball effort from Miami, Jones stayed in Green Bay. It was reported that Miami tried to trade back into round one to draft Najee Harris in April and that Javonte Williams was their target with their first pick in round two. Miami missed on both.

The Dolphins put a priority on offensive lineman last year and WR and DE this year but what would the Dolphins have looked like if their focus hadn’t shifted to mid-round talents? Would it make a difference? We go back to 2006 to answer that question.