With the priority to invest in Ryan Tannehill for the 2015 season the Miami Dolphins made several offense upgrades during the NFL Draft that will not only help the quarterback, but also challenge current roster players for their spot on the depth chart. While DeVante Parker is expected to contend for a starting role over Greg Jennings, Jay Ajayi could be doing the same with the running back spot.
The Dolphins made the move to get Ajayi in the fifth round of the NFL Draft to hopefully have him contend for the starting job with Lamar Miller. However, there are issues with Ajayi that could hurt that effort. According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Boise State running back had knee issues several years ago that could creep up during his time in the NFL. That clearly was not a concern for the Dolphins who were desperate for another running back. The team eyed several options in free agency, but ultimately lost out on everyone with their inability to offer a bigger contract.
According to the Miami Herald, bringing Knowshon Moreno is not entirely out of the question. The Dolphins will move forward with Miller and Ajayi as their running back rotation, but if the rookie struggles at the start of camp, getting Moreno in for a cheap contract is not a bad idea. The Dolphins soured on Moreno after the running back suffered another knee injury. However, the Herald believes he is still an option at the right price.
The Dolphins might have picked up Tannehill's fifth-year option, but it is clear this is a make-or-break season for the quarterback. After getting a first-round wide receiver, the Miami New Times is reporting that the quarterback does not have any excuses if 2015 is not an improvement. The Dolphins have made it clear they believe Tannehill is the quarterback of the future of the franchise, but if he cannot improve in 2015, that belief might change.
The Herald is reporting that Tannhill is unlikely to sign an extension this offseason considering his option was picked up. That means that if the quarterback struggles in the upcoming season, it will be easier for the Dolphins to make a clean break and try someone new.
