The Miami Dolphins have a number of needs heading into the NFL draft this season and running back is one of them and names like Carlos Hyde, Andre Williams, De'Anthony Thomas, Jeremy Hill, Lache Seastrunk and Ka'Deem Carey all could be options, while the team could look to trade Dion Jordan, Daniel Thomas or Mike Wallace heading into the event in May to get some extra picks and teams like the Eagles, Redskins and Vikings could be interested.
The Dolphins are coming into the offseason after having a rough season rushing the ball and one top of that they were one of the worst blocking teams in the NFL. The offensive line gave up a league leading 58 sacks last season and now with Branden Albert coming in and Richie Incognito going out, the line has been rebuilt by GM Dennis Hickey and he is trying to undo some of the damage that his predecessor left in Jeff Ireland, including with Jordan, who was the number three overall pick last season. The Dolphins signed Knowshon Moreno in the offseason, so some experts think they will avoid running backs, but with a deep class there is a good chance they will pick one.
The Dolphins had Lamar Miller and Mike Thomas last season and according to ESPN.com, one of those names could be gone if the team looks to draft a running back in May. The report from ESPN.com from James Walker says that Thomas is likely the man out and there is a chance that the Fins could look to trade him, as they have a straight draft coming of one pick per round in the seven rounds and they could look for a boost by making a trade. Thomas had only 400 yards last season with four touchdowns and that was very disappointing for the Dolphins after they thought he would step up into a more prominent role.
The team could look to a number of players in the draft, as this year the running back class is deep with names like Carlos Hyde, Andre Williams, De'Anthony Thomas, Jeremy Hill, Lache Seastrunk and Ka'Deem Carey and the Dolphins could be in the mix for multiple players. Last season Hyde had 1,521 yards and 15 touchdowns, while Williams went over 2,000 yards and Mason is a speedy back and is very productive, as he went for over 1,800 yards and scored 23 touchdowns last season. Carey and Seastrunk are later round options, while Jeremy Hill also could be in the mix.
Last season the Dolphins ranked 26th in rushing and they did not get what they wanted out of Thomas and Miller and now one of those names could go. Miller is younger and was more productive with over 700 yards and now the two will battle with Moreno along with Gillislee and Marcus Thigpen after the team put up just 90 yards per game last season. The Eagles made an offer for Jordan, as Chip Kelly had him at Oregon when he was highly productive, but according to Pro Football Talk that was rejected. The team did not want to give up their top three pick from last season for a third round pick and now they could look to deal him as the draft gets closer to get some extra picks to work with.
