The Miami Dolphins have done well this offseason to begin fortifying the ground game — the team has effectively plugged up two interior offensive line spots and sufficiently upgraded the running back position through free agency. But the work is not done for the Dolphins, not by a long shot. The team will still need to secure more upgrades all around, starting with the running back position.
Free agent signing Jordan Howard is a capable primary ball carrier — but is he the long-term answer to the position? Probably not, which means the Dolphins are expected to tackle the position early yet again this week during the 2020 NFL Draft.
Who are the most logical targets for the Dolphins early in this year’s NFL Draft? There are four clear, obvious fits for Miami — although each brings a separate skillset to the table and would, to some degree, require unique catering from Brian Flores in order to position them best for success.
Here are the possible 1st-round candidates for the Dolphins’ vacancy at running back.
RB D’andre Swift, Georgia
Swift is considered the top RB eligible in this year’s class. but it isn’t consensus. Swift runs compact and with power but shows good vision and would be an effective ball carrier pressing into inside gaps in Miami’s new look rushing attack. As an added bonus, he’s a better pass catcher than Jordan Howard.
RB JK Dobbins, Ohio State
Dobbins is an even better pass catcher than Swift and is a bit more diverse as a runner. His physical traits aren’t elite but Dobbins has the blend of tools you need to be a primary NFL ball carrier and effectively contribute on all three downs. He was given more room to work at Ohio State with spread formations, which mirrors what Miami is anticipated to try to do offensively.
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Edwards-Helaire is an even better pass catcher than Dobbins and flourished in 2019 as a member of the LSU Tigers. Edwards-Helaire was Mr. Reliable for presumptive No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow and frequently came up in the clutch working underneath or short of the sticks.
RB Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
Taylor is probably the least likely of the backs to become a Dolphin when considering his value is more in line with the role the team expects to see Jordan Howard fill for Miami. Taylor is a lesser threat in the passing game but is easily the most productive ball carrier out of this group — although wear and tear from such a prominent workload in college may be cause for concern.