With Lamar Miller now in Houston, the Miami Dolphins are in need of a starting running back. But before speculation can run rampant, new head coach Adam Gase is naming second-year player Jay Ajayi as the front runner for the job.
Ajayi, a former Boise State star who was selected in the fifth-round of the 2015 NFL Draft, has pulled ahead of fellow ball carriers Damien Williams, Daniel Thomas, Isaiah Pead, Jahwan Edwards and Kenyan Drake, a 2016 third-round pick who hasn't practiced with the team yet. Gase is impressed with Ajayi's work ethic and consistency so far.
"He's been one of those guys he's been here every day." Gase said. "He's done everything right. You can tell he's looking to improve. He doesn't say much, just keeps working. The rest of that group has done a good job to try and keep up with him, but obviously he's kind of separated himself from that group as far as consistency of what he does day in and day out."
Gase admitted that the coaching staff is even looking at the strengths of the backups, so they know how best to use them behind Ajayi. The new head coach will use training camp and the preseason to determine roles for his stable of rushers.
Miller, who received a four-year deal worth $26 million in free agency, was a quality pass-catcher and blocker. These attributes are necessary for any starting running back in Gase's offense. We'll see how Ajayi handles the transition.
But more important to Miami's future success is quarterback Ryan Tannehill. Gase has said recently that his QB needs to improve his pocket presence, make more clutch throws and become a more vocal leader.
"Right now, we've got a good start and we're kind of excited to see how we do in OTAs," Gase said. "We're trying to see how far we can take this thing coming into training camp."
As for Tannehill...
"Just being around him, as a worker I can check that one off the box [of concerns]. Watching him in the weight room. Watching him on the field, I've been very impressed with that," Gase said. "I've been impressed with his intelligence. As far as his personality goes, I see a guy working well with his teammates, communicating with them, and encouraging them, talking to guys and making sure they are in the right spot. I've been excited about that part of him because the biggest thing for a quarterback is you've got to be a great communicator, and as far as I've seen that's being done."
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
