The Miami Dolphins have been trying to fix what has been wrong its defense for quite some time. Now it appears that the team will look to target a running back earlier on than expected in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The Dolphins lost Lamar Miller to the Houston Texans during the 2016 NFL Free Agency period, and his departure is a huge blow to the team and its offense as his productions were some of the bright spots in what was a very underwhelming season. The Dolphins drafted running back Jay Ajayi after medical questions got him to fall very deep in the 2015 NFL Draft. Ajayi still doesn't look like the every-down bell cow running back the Dolphins desire, however, they still plan on utilizing him heavily throughout the season.
With the Dolphins expected to take a running back early, there are only so many options to focus on with their first round pick. They already traded out of the top ten, so selecting any other player but running back seemingly makes no sense here. Why swap selections with the Philadelphia Eagles if the Dolphins were going after a defensive or offensive lineman?
Because the Dolphins are planning on drafting Ezekiel Elliott with their first overall pick. With the 13th overall pick, the Dolphins can attempt to salvage this running attack as they look for a new lead back in the offense. The Dolphins also must be counting on the fact that one of their key needs can be filled with the 13th overall selection.
The Dolphins saw six key free agents leave their squad during the offseason. Key pieces of this roster - such as defensive end Olivier Vernon, wide receiver Rishard Matthews, defensive end Derrick Shelby and outside linebacker Quinton Coples - are just some of the players Miami will have to replace before the 2016 NFL regular Season.
The Dolphins could look to invest in the defensive line after two of their best edge rushers left for greener pastures. Miami needs a new cornerback after the departure of Brent Grimes and could see Vernon Hargreaves III or Mackensie Alexander taken with the pick. Regardless of their offseason losses, Miami looks primed and ready to have maneuvered far enough back into the draft where taking Elliott would be a bargain.
