The Miami Dolphins are planning on targeting offense with their No. 14 pick in the NFL Draft. That could mean a multiple of things as the team has been linked to trades up for wide receivers and running backs while potentially staying put for second-tier options. As the Dolphins aim to build around Ryan Tannehill for the future, getting a few more playmakers is a priority for the team who still has lingering holes on the roster.
The running back position has yet to be a priority for the Dolphins. The team has expressed faith in Lamar Miller as the starter, but needs depth. According to team vice president Mike Tannenbaun via ESPN.com, the door is open for Knowshon Moreno to return, but that might not happen until the draft is officially over. Instead, Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald is reporting the Dolphins have shifted their focus to Todd Gurley in the first round.
The Miami Herald reported that the Dolphins are very interested in Gurley after the former Georgia running back got the all clear in a medical re-check while proving his speed and strength have not faltered. Gurley's stock has sky rocketed in recent weeks leaving ESPN's Mil Kiper Jr to rank him one of the best all-around players in the draft.
"He's a talent. He's definitely a player that his ability stands out and shines," Dolphins assistant general manager Eric Stokes said, via the Herald."He's an exciting guy to watch. We've enjoyed working through that process with him and seeing him. From there, we'll see where things shake out."
The Dolphins have looked at top receivers like Amari Cooper, Kevin White and DeVante Parker with their first round pick. CBS Sports reported the team was calling about the cost of the No. 4 pick in order to get either Cooper or White. However, now it appears getting Gurley might be the more favorable option after the team inked Greg Jennings to a two-year contract.
The last remaining hurdle for Miami will be the contract of Tannehill. The Dolphins have been weighing the options of a contract extension or simply picking up the fifth-year option. Tannehill has already been endorsed as the quarterback of the future and now the team must look at how best to make that happen. They can either pick up his fifth-year option worth $15 million or sign him to a new deal with a little less of a cap hit. According to Tannenbaum, no decision has been made.
"Look, Ryan is here, we're excited he is here, we haven't made any decisions yet," Tannenbaum said, via ESPN.com. "We know when the deadline is and we'll make those decisions when we get there."