Report: Miami Dolphins still evaluating top running back prospects in 2023 NFL Draft

The Miami Dolphins will be entering the 2023 NFL Draft at a bit of a disadvantage due to the small amount of picks (four) at their disposal, and that fact makes every pick that they do have all the more important.

While there are a number of positions that the team could end up addressing with its picks, it appears clear that the running back spot is one for Dolphins fans to keep an eye on.

According to a recent report, the team is still evaluating the top running backs in this year’s draft class.

“The Dolphins worked to re-sign three running backs to short-term deals in free agency but are still evaluating the top running back prospects in this class, according to a source with knowledge of the team’s plans,” ESPN’s Matt Miller wrote. “With no first round-selection and four total picks, running back could be addressed in Rounds 2 or 3. Roschon Johnson (Texas), Zach Charbonnet (UCLA) or scatback Devon Achane (Texas A&M) could fit. The Dolphins still need a true RB1, similar to how the [San Francisco] 49ers traded for Christian McCaffrey despite having a full RB depth chart last year. Both Charbonnet and Johnson could end up fitting that billing.”

Clearly, the Dolphins are doing their due diligence when it comes to the running back spot. That is likely due to two contributing factors.

The first one is that the Dolphins might be looking for a back who can claim lead duties. Their stable of tailbacks right now is solid, but there is no true star.

Raheem Mostert was their lead back in the 2022 campaign, finishing the season with 891 rushing yards and just three rushing touchdowns.

The other reason why the Dolphins might be heavily targeting a running back is because there is a high likelihood they’ll be able to snag a top talent with their second-round pick.

Running backs are not valued highly these days in the draft, and that leads many elite prospects to fall out of the first round. After all, the only running back who seems certain to go in the first round of this year’s draft is Bijan Robinson, the former University of Texas star.

That could end up helping the Dolphins’ chances of getting one of the best backs on the board with the No. 51 overall pick.

The 2023 draft will begin on April 27 and run through April 29.