The Miami Dolphins are continuing their preparations for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft and reportedly will bring former college football touchdowns leader Rasheen Ali in for a visit.
“Dolphins officials are intrigued by the skill set of Marshall [University] running back Rasheen Ali and are flying him to team headquarters to meet with Dolphins officials in the next 10 days, according to a league source,” wrote Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Ali led FBS with 23 rushing touchdowns and 25 total touchdowns during the 2021 season. He scored 39 rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns during his four seasons at Marshall.
Based on observations from Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, Ali would seem to perfectly fit the profile of speed the Dolphins’ running backs possess. He reportedly has just about reached 22 mph in in-game speed.
While there's no verified 40 times on @HerdFB RB Rasheen Ali, teams we've spoken with have almost 22 mph in-game speed data, which is 𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣'!
His "explosive runs" cutup on @PFF Ultimate has tons of angle-busting long distance runs like this👇.
Could've picked 20 other… pic.twitter.com/EcLWhYFV7K
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 4, 2024
During Miami’s 2023 campaign, Raheem Mostert had the best season of his NFL career as he led the Dolphins with 1,012 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. His 21 total touchdowns tied Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers for the NFL lead.
Rookie De’Von Achane also contributed a handful of explosive games and finished with 800 rushing yards and 11 total touchdowns (eight rushing and three receiving).
According to draft analyst Lance Zierlein, Ali profiles as a good complementary back.
“His touchdown production and third-down ability could improve his chances of finding work as an RB3,” wrote Zierlein.
Ali also has impressive numbers as a kick returner, averaging 34.6 yards on five returns including one touchdown. With the NFL changing the rules for kickoffs this season, that could be another way for him to contribute.
In a seven-round mock draft posted by ESPN recently, Ali was not listed among the 257 total picks. If he is not selected by the Dolphins or someone else during the three-day event that begins April 25, he could be attractive as an undrafted free agent.
Miami also reportedly has already met with Brigham Young University running back Aidan Robbins, so they clearly are doing their due diligence at the position.
In addition to Mostert and Achane, the Dolphins also have running backs Jeff Wilson, Salvon Ahmed and Chris Brooks under contract for the 2024 season. Ahmed reportedly still needs time to recover from a foot injury he suffered last season.
The Dolphins hold the No. 21 overall pick in the first round and No. 55 overall selection in the second round. Their later picks include one in the fifth round, two in the sixth round and one in the seventh round.
