Why The Dolphins Must Draft a Running Back in this Upcoming Draft:
As we come to an end to week 2, and the Dolphins are once again 0-2, like many jaded dolphin fans, I am already looking toward next year.
While I do believe that Ryan Tannehill was a mistake, and we do need a re-do at quarterback, this upcoming NFL draft doesn’t have any names at that position that I am ready to take a chance on. The Dolphins have a habit of making terrible choices during the first round of the draft. Our 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2016 picks were all offensive lineman, which makes sense, considering we have had trouble over the years protecting the quarterback. However, no matter how many picks we waste, or free agents we pick up, our offensive line still allows our QB to be sacked more than any other team in the league.
The Dolphins finally started to develop a run game last year with Lamar Miller, but in typical Dolphin fashion, they didn’t extend his contract and let him sign with Houston. When Tannehill has a decent running game, he plays dramatically better. This year’s draft has a bevy of quality running backs that fit the bill. Considering the past 2 games in which the Dolphins have failed to put up 100 yards on the ground, I would say it’s time to draft a running back.
If our record is bad enough to get the 4th overall pick this year, which is very possible the way we looked against New England, then we could get LSU running back, Leonard Fournette. Many analysts have dubbed him “the Next AP”. Last year he ran for 1953 yards and 22 touchdowns, in a very tough defensive SEC conference. He could only improve a Miami offense whose running game is nearly non-existent.
If somehow we don’t get a draft pick that high, Dalvin Cook, is a great second option. He’s not only is a strong runner with great vision, he also makes plays catching in the backfield. This can only help the Dolphins with their weak line and a Quarterback that struggles throwing the ball downfield. If both Fournette and Cook are taken, we should go after Nick Chubb from Georgia, a power back who reminds me of a young Maurice Jones-Drew. He is a bowling ball type back who runs through you, not around you. We also have Christian McCaffrey, Heisman finalist last year, who has great speed and vision, and is also a great receiver.
Because I say we should draft a running back in this year’s draft is by no means, a way of saying that we don’t need a new quarterback. I have been against Ryan Tannehill since the day we drafted him. I believe someone scouted as a college wide receiver should not be playing quarterback in the NFL. However, I don’t want the Dolphins to make the same mistake twice and draft a QB just because one is available. The only Quarterback in this upcoming draft that I feel we can build a franchise around is Deshaun Watson from Clemson, but I don’t see him being available, because he should go number one overall, most likely to Cleveland. It’s time to draft supporting players that can help the next Dolphins quarterback, whoever he may be in the future.
