Despite having talented running back Lamar Miller on the roster all season, the Miami Dolphins seemed almost allergic to running the ball in 2015. The Dolphins finished last season dead last in carries (344), 23rd in rushing yards per game (93.5) and 16th in rushing touchdowns (11). Looking at those numbers, it's no wonder why Miller fled to the Houston Texans in free agency. He was badly underutilized in his four seasons with the team.
Though new head coach Adam Gase was hired earlier this offseason, the Dolphins still struck out on their free agent pursuits of rushers C.J. Anderson and Chris Johnson. That is why the team may be doing their due diligence on ball-carriers in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft.
Miami will host Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is largely considered the top prospect at the position in this year's draft class, on Monday and Tuesday of next week. The dominant OSU rusher confirmed the meeting to media earlier today.
While 2015 fifth-rounder Jay Ajayi has talent, Elliott is the type of high-upside prospect that could transform the dynamic of Miami's offense and alleviate a ton of pressure on fifth-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
"They do have a hole at running back, and they do have some good people around on offense," Elliott said of the Dolphins. "It seems like the running back is the spot that they're missing out on. So I think it would be a pretty good fit."
However, it's possible that Elliott won't be available when the Dolphins are on the clock at No. 13. Miami swapped first-round picks with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this offseason, giving Philly the No. 8 overall selection. According to Elliott, the Eagles have shown the most interest during the pre-draft process.
Other teams that have been linked to the young RB include the Dallas Cowboys at No. 4 and the New York Giants at No. 10. Looking at his numbers, it's easy to see why.
Elliott averaged 6.3 yards per carry in 2015 while rushing for 1,821 yards with a whopping 23 touchdowns. In 35 collegiate games, Elliott has averaged 6.7 YPC and posted 3,961 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns on the ground. He's also caught 58 passes for 449 yards and one additional score while largely being considered the best pass-blocking RB in the nation.
The NFL Draft will be held from April 28 to April 30.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
