The Miami Dolphins have acquired free agent running back Isaiah Pead. The move may not be the flashiest, but it meshes with the needs the Dolphins have as we enter the 2016 NFL Draft. The Dolphins have been desperately seeking a new running back to help bolster their ground game; unfortunately they have missed out on most of the most dependable backs during free agency.
The Dolphins targeted C.J. Anderson immediately after Lamar Miller left to act as a replacement for their star running back. Unfortunately the Denver Broncos got there first and signed Anderson to a multi-year contract. This puts the Dolphins drastically behind the eight ball when it comes to solidifying their rushing attack.
The Dolphins are leaders in speculation that they will trade for running back Knile Davis from the Kansas City Chiefs and could be a potential trade partner until the end of the draft. With Miami so desperate at the running back position they could potentially seek to invest an early-round pick in that position.
The Dolphins suffered a ton of departures during the offseason as they continue to change the roster drastically from the 2015 season. The Dolphins lost several key free agents they were hoping to re-sign, including wide receiver Rishard Matthews, defensive end Derrick Shelby and cornerback Brent Grimes.
The Dolphins also lost star edge rusher Olivier Vernon to the New York Giants, outside linebacker Quinton Coples to the Los Angeles Rams and star running back Lamar Miller to the Houston Texans. Miller and Vernon especially sting because they were both so young and had so much room to develop.
Now the Dolphins are looking to replace the players they lost in free agency, which will be a rather difficult task. Currently, the replacement for Lamar Miller is thought to be on the Dolphins roster- Jay Ajay. However, the Dolphins have been somewhat noncommittal to the idea of starting him. His draft stock was affected by a knee injury that seemed to linger, but every time Ajayi was on the field in 2015 he looked swift and agile. At only 22 years old, he is the top option to replace Miller and should get the first opportunity to lead the Dolphins' ground game.
