Miami thrives drafting RBs
But position not a top need this year
Frank Gore, the 34-year-old running back who is likely headed for the Hall of Fame, figures to be among the Miami Dolphins’ biggest offseason signings in 2018.
But is Gore, who will serve as a complementary back to starter Kenyan Drake, enough to prevent the Dolphins from drafting a running back this year?
Miami’s draft-and-develop philosophy has thrived in recent years when it comes to middleround running backs.
Three of the past four running backs the Dolphins have drafted became starters. And all four, each of whom was selected between the third and fifth rounds, are productive players.
The draft, scheduled for April 26-28, provides the Dolphins an opportunity to get a quality running back in the middle to lower rounds, possibly even Mark Walton, the former University of Miami standout.
This year’s running back draft class is led by Penn State’s Saquon Barkley, a likely Top 5 pick.
After Barkley, the order is muddled but the talent remains starting with LSU’s Derrius Guice, and Georgia’s Sony Michel, the former American Heritage Plantation star. They’re projected as late first- or second-round selections.
After that, in no particular order, there’s Georgia’s Nick Chubb, Auburn’s Kerryon Johnson, USC’s Ronald Jones II, San Diego State’s Rashaad Penny, North Carolina State’s Nyheim Hines, Oregon’s Royce Freeman, and Arizona State’s Kalen Ballage, who are among the secondor third-round projections.
In the third or fourth rounds, the Dolphins could probably select among one or two of the aforementioned players as well as Walton, a talented player who missed most of last season with an ankle injury, or perhaps North Carolina State’s Jaylen Samuels, TCU’s Kyle Hicks or Iowa’s Akrum Wadley.
The Dolphins have bigger needs in the first three rounds than running back, including linebacker, defensive tackle, tight end, and possibly offensive line, quarterback and safety.
But Miami has somewhat of a golden touch drafting middle- to lateround running backs.
In 2012, the Dolphins drafted Lamar Miller in the fourth round. He’s starting for Houston.
In 2015, Miami drafted Jay Ajayi in the fifth round. He’s starting for Philadelphia.
In 2016, Miami drafted Drake in the third round. He’ll start for the Dolphins.
Miami selected Mike Gillislee in the fifth round in 2013, and he didn’t work out that well. But he remains in the NFL with New England, where he rushed for 383 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Gore’s signing might have made running back a third-day (rounds four through seven) draft selection for Miami.
Gore, the former UM and Coral Gables High School star, is a reliable back who hasn’t missed a game in the last seven years. Last year with Indianapolis he rushed for 961 yards. He’s fifth on the NFL all-time rushing list with 14,026 yards, just 75 yards behind No. 4 Curtis Martin.
However, Gore, who turns 35 on May 14, doesn’t seem to be a long-term answer.
Miami has unproven running backs Senorise Perry and Brandon Radcliff on the roster aside from Drake and Gore, but the Dolphins might want more.
Coach Adam Gase wants a running back who is diverse, above all. Gase wants someone who can run, catch and block in pass protection.
In light of Miami’s recent draft-and-develop success at running back the Dolphins might feel comfortable drafting one in, say, the fourth round or later (Miami has two fourthround picks) and playing him on special teams while allowing him to learn.
After all, between Drake, who has little wear and tear, and Gore, who is as dependable as anyone in the NFL at his position, Miami shouldn’t feel obligated to draft a running back who must play this year.
chperkins@sunsentinel .com, Twitter @Chrisperk