The Dolphins’ rushing attack was miserable last year. Miami averaged 91 yards per game rushing in 2021, which needs to greatly improve in 2022. Furthermore, Myles Gaskin did not produce as much as Miami would have liked, as Duke Johnson ultimately became the primary back at the end of the season.
The Fins will need add some depth at running back during the offseason either through free agency or the draft. Here are three running backs that at which the Miami Dolphins can take a look in free agency.
James Conner
It will likely cost Miami a lot of money, but James Conner would give this Dolphins offense the primary rusher they need. Conner had a monster season in 2021, as he had 752 yards rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Conner has speed and great vision to find holes through the defensive line. Not to mention, he is great in the red-zone, as he got most of his touchdowns in that area of the field.
Photo courtesy of Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
He is also a dual threat running back, as he can burn defenses receiving too. The Cardinals used him in the short passing game, which benefited them greatly. Conner knows what do once he catches the ball, as he can make defenders miss and burn them with his speed once he has space. The Arizona running back had 375 receiving yards and averaged ten yards an attempt. Adding him would only bolster their team and could be the addition that makes Miami a playoff team.
Melvin Gordon
Melvin Gordon is another big-name running back that will be in the free agent market this year. During his 2021 season with the Broncos, he rushed for 918 yards and eight touchdowns. Gordon brings a lot of speed, strength and physicality to the backfield. He is also another running back that can receive out of the back field, which only adds more value. He had just over 200 receiving yards in the 2021 season.
Gordon also brings a veteran presence to this team and can mentor the young running backs that the Dolphins have. Again, this would be a pricey move for the Dolphins, as he has had a great year and will be expecting a payday.
Boston Scott
Scott would be a different option for this Dolphins team. He is a smaller back but is very speedy and elusive. Â He can easily get through small holes within the line of scrimmage and turn on the jets when he is out in the open field. Scott got a lot of playing time with the Eagles in the 2021 season with Miles Sanders being plagued with injures. He racked up 373 yards and seven touchdowns as a backup with Philadelphia. Scott and Duke Johnson would make a good combination in the backfield.
Johnson would be able to tire out the defense with his tough physical running style. Furthermore, Scott would be able to take advantage of the tired defense with his speed. This could also open another door for Scott as he has potential to be a starting running back. The Dolphins could very well be the team to give him a chance if has a good training camp.
Conclusion
There are a lot of good running backs that will be on the free agency market soon, which gives the Dolphins an opportunity to strengthen this position. It would also help the Dolphins to find a back that has played in the league some and has had some success. Even with getting a high-caliber free agent running back, the Dolphins could still draft a running back in the mid to later rounds of the draft and tailor him to be weapon moving forward.
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