Miami Dolphins’ offseason outlook: Running backs
(Note: This is the second entry in our eight-part position-by-position look at the Miami Dolphins’ options when free agency begins on March 15.)
There was some improvement to the Miami Dolphins run game in Brian Flores’ second season as coach.
The Dolphins improved 10 spots to the 22nd-best rushing attack out of 32 NFL teams in 2020, averaging 105.5 yards per game, after being the worst in the NFL with 72.3 yards per game during the 2019 season.
And the hope is the Dolphins can add a player or two to further bolster an integral part of the offense behind young starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
One season after quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick led the team in rushing, running back Myles Gaskin finished his second NFL season as Miami’s leading rusher with 584 yards.
It’s likely Gaskin and the other running backs on the Dolphins roster may have to compete with a free-agent signing or two and/or a new draft pick during the 2021 season.
Players under contract
Gaskin showed he could carry the load for the Dolphins with several standout performances, including his two-touchdown day with 169 total yards against the Raiders in the second-to-last game of the season.
Salvon Ahmed also showed some promise during his rookie season, leading the Dolphins with 122 yards against the Patriots and 85 yards against the Chargers.
Patrick Laird did not have many opportunities as a rusher or pass catcher but remains a steady presence in the running back room and contributes on special teams.
Jordan Scarlett, the former St. Thomas Aquinas High and University of Florida standout, also joined the team earlier this offseason and must perform in training camp to earn a roster spot.
Free agents
Matt Breida, the running back Miami traded for when it could not select one in the 2020 NFL draft, is an unrestricted free agent and may look elsewhere for a greater opportunity. He played in 12 games with one start, logging 59 carries for 254 yards and no touchdowns last season for Miami.
DeAndre Washington, who was acquired midseason, showed some burst but played in only three games last year. He is also an unrestricted free agent.
Free agent fits available
If the Dolphins hope to add a running back in free agency, there are plenty of intriguing options.
Green Bay’s Aaron Jones and Seattle’s Chris Carson may be atop the list, Green Bay backup Jamaal Williams is an intriguing option, while Mark Ingram has veteran leadership that helped the Baltimore Ravens thrive in recent seasons.
Todd Gurley still has some burst left and could be a nice complementary piece. Mike Davis was solid for Carolina in place of an injured Christian McCaffrey last season.
The Dolphins could bring former University of Miami standouts like Duke Johnson or Gus Edwards home to build depth.
Perhaps Flores wants to reunite with former Patriots like James White or Rex Burkhead, while a reunion with former Dolphin Kenyan Drake may not be in the cards.
Marlon Mack is talented, but coming off of a torn Achilles tendon.
Draft landscape
Alabama’s Najee Harris and Clemson’s Travis Etienne lead the pack at the running back position in April’s NFL draft.
It may be unlikely that the Dolphins use the second of their two first-round picks at No. 18 to draft one of them, but the Dolphins should jump at the opportunity to select one if he’s available with their No. 36 pick in the second round.
North Carolina’s Michael Carter (308 yards, two touchdowns) and Javonte Williams (236 yards, three touchdowns) had memorable games against UM last season, while Oklahoma State’s Chubaa Hubbard and Ohio State’s Trey Sermon are also notable prospects.
Position outlook
The Dolphins desperately need a jolt in their run game, especially to balance the offense for Tagovailoa at quarterback. Expect Miami to interact and gauge the free-agent market for one of the best available options, while also addressing the need in the draft.
The Dolphins need playmakers who can score the football and doubling up at the position in free agency and the draft would be a great use of Miami’s resources this offseason.
Previously addressed:
Quarterbacks
