Report: Miami Dolphins Likely to Take Running Back in 1st Round of NFL Draft

While the Miami Dolphins have holes to fill at multiple positions, they appear ready to use one of their early picks to bolster the running back position.

In 2019, the Dolphins ranked at the bottom among 32 NFL teams when it came to rushing yardage, which explains why they signed former Philadelphia Eagles running back Jordan Howard during the free-agency period.

Yet, the Dolphins aren’t finished improving this department and have multiple prospects in mind.

These players include J.K. Dobbins of Ohio State University, D’Andre Swift of the University of Georgia, Jonathan Taylor of the University of Wisconsin and Cam Akers of Florida State University.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald noted that the Dolphins want to take one of those players early in order to provide the running game with a one-two punch with Howard.

“The Dolphins likely will take a running back in the first two days of the draft, potentially Dobbins or Swift at 26, or perhaps one of those two, LSU’s Clyde-Edwards Helaire, Taylor or Akers at 39 for 56,” Jackson wrote. “That player will be paired with Jordan Howard as Miami’s top two backs, in whatever order.”

The Dolphins have six draft picks among the first 70 selections, so they’ll have plenty of opportunities to consider such players during the draft’s first two days.

The ban on in-person visits to Dolphins headquarters due to the coronavirus pandemic came after only Dobbins had visited with the team. That may give the Dolphins more confidence in choosing him, though there’s no guarantee he will be available when the team is set to make its selection.

Getting this pick right is imperative for the Dolphins, given their recent miserable history of using early picks to take running backs.

Back in 2005, the Dolphins chose Ronnie Brown with the second overall pick, and during his six seasons with the team, he had problems staying healthy. Six years later, they chose Daniel Thomas late in the second round, and he proved to be a major bust.

In addition, the Dolphins coughed up two first-round picks for former Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams. While he had three 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the team, he also had trouble passing drug tests and his reliability became questionable at best.

With that history in mind, Dolphins fans will likely have their fingers crossed that the player who is chosen is one who can have an immediate impact.