After a disappointing rookie season, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Erik Ezukanma has carved out a role for himself in Mike McDaniel’s offense in 2023.
Last year, after being selected in the fourth round out of Texas Tech, Ezukanma found himself buried in a deep position room, resulting in just 10 offensive snaps for the former Red Raider.
Now, following a full season and two offseasons of work, Ezukanma has taken on an apparent hybrid role as a wide receiver and a running back.
In the preseason, the 23-year-old rushed twice for 52 yards, and in the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, he recorded another two carries for 17 yards.
While his two preseason carriers had come on end-arounds, one of Ezukanma’s carries against the Chargers came from out of the backfield, which have some, including the wide receiver himself, thinking of San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel.
“I’ve watched Deebo since I was in college, the way he plays, breaking tackles,” Ezukanma told the Miami Herald. “I feel we play similar. With me adding [running the ball] to my arsenal, I feel it will definitely be a help to watch more of his tape and highlights.”
In 2021, with now-Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as his offensive coordinator, Samuel had a career-high 59 rushing attempts, which was a drastic jump from his previous high of just 14.
The versatile weapon rushed for 365 yards (6.2 yards per attempt) and found the end zone eight times on his way to his lone All-Pro season. Samuel followed that year up by rushing for 232 yards and three touchdowns on 5.5 yards per attempt in 13 games.
While some may have an issue playing out of position, Ezukanma just wants to be on the field and help out his team.
“It’s awesome always to touch the rock,” he said. “I feel with the ball in my hands, I’m able to give the team one of the best chances to make plays and score touchdowns.”
If Ezukanma can produce the way Samuel has, which would be a tremendous ask, it would be hard for any team to stop this offense when healthy.
For now, it’s just nice to see the fourth-round pick make an impact when he’s on the field.