The Miami Dolphins are coming into the NFL draft in 2014 with a number of needs and they likely will look to offense in the first couple rounds, as names like Marqise Lee, Carlos Hyde, Jeremy Hill, Andre Williams, De'Anthony Thomas and Mike Evans could be in the mix for new GM Dennis Hickey as he takes over for Jeff Ireland and the team could also be looking at trades involving Dion Jordan or Mike Wallace.
The Dolphins were one of the worst rushing teams in the NFL last season and that is one reason why they signed Knowshon Moreno as a free agent, but that may not stop them from picking a running back in the draft as well. ESPN.com writer James Walker reported that the team had initial interest in Chris Johnson, but that they would rather draft and develop another running back over signing someone else behind Moreno. The team already has Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller along with Mike Gillislee and that means someone could be on the chopping block if they draft a back this year.
The draft in 2014 is deep at a number of positions, including running back and wide receiver and those are two areas where the team expects to look when things start up in May. The Dolphins ranked 26th in the league in rushing yards last season with Thomas and Miller and they simply did not get things done and that is why they added Moreno. Last season Moreno had a career year with the Broncos and while part of that was due to Peyton Manning, he showed off why he can be a weapon in this league, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns for the first time and he also set career marks in caught passes and receiving yards.
That type of weapon could be huge for quarterback Ryan Tannehill and his development and this season could be a make or break year for him as the Dolphins try to get back to the playoffs. The struggles of Tannehill and the rushing game last season were also due in part to the offensive line, which was a mess before and after the Jonathan Martin and Richie Incognito departures. The team ended up leading the league in sacks with nearly 60 and the offensive line was a total disaster and while that did not help things, the rushing attack needs to improve and adding Branden Albert at left tackle should help that greatly.
The draft is deep at the running back position and according to ESPN.com, the team is also hosting Marqise Lee for a pre-draft visit. Lee is an interesting option, as he was a Heisman finalist two years ago and he is considered a first round prospect after making 57 catches for 791 yards and four touchdowns last season. Hyde is a very productive back and he is coming off of a season with over 1,500 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Andre Williams rushed for 2,000 for Boston College. Tre Mason and Thomas are speedy guys and the team could look at those names as options to pair up with Moreno in the backfield.