53-man roster predictions: Miami Dolphins keep 4 RBs
By Brian Miller
When it comes to this year’s running back group, fans still debate the Miami Dolphins’ inability or desire to add any top draft talent to the roster.
Miami may have wanted to trade back up for Najee Harris but it didn’t work out. Miami will enter the season pretty much with what they ended last year with.
There have been a few changes and some new additions but Miami didn’t make the mistake this year of trading for a runner that didn’t perform, Matt Breida, and they didn’t add a “name” in the off-season and pencil him in to start like they did last year with Jordan Howard.
Miami’s two biggest additions to the running back unit this year is Malcolm Brown, a part-time player for the Rams the last few years, and 7th round draft pick Gerrid Doaks.
The Dolphins, for now, have seven running backs and one fullback on the roster. We ranked them here. How many will make this year’s roster and who will be released? I believe that the Dolphins will keep four running back this season.
Myles Gaskin: Gaskin is the starter and will see a much heavier workload in 2021.
Salvon Ahmed: Ahmed did well last year when he filled in for Gaskin and this year he should continue in that role but he isn’t ready to be featured just yet because, well, that will be Gaskin’s role this year.
Malcolm Brown: Brown is a physical runner and should be the guy the Dolphins turn to in short-yardage situations but we shouldn’t expect him to play a bigger role unless Ahmed or Gaskin get banged up. He could emerge as a situational player.
Gerrid Doaks: There is a lot to like about Doaks and the Dolphins tend to keep their drafted players. Doaks will get a chance to show what he can do and he could see more time than Brown and challenge Ahmed for playing time as well. He has that kind of potential.
Players on the outside looking in.
Patrick Laird: Laird is fun to watch but he is more a receiving running back and the Dolphins are putting more faith into others. It will be hard for him to make the roster if the Dolphins keep four.
Malcolm Perry: Perry has versatility on his side and if the Dolphins keep five, he probably jumps over Laird for the 5th spot. That being said, the Dolphins also have Lynn Bowden, Jr. who has more upside right now and plays a very similar role. He could and should end up on the practice squad.
Jordan Scarlett: There just isn’t enough room on the roster to keep him. He could be a PS option.
Carl Tucker: Miami’s only fullback is also an undrafted rookie. The chances of him getting enough reps to prove his value are pretty slim.