Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller averaged 13.5 carries in 16 games in what was the best season of his career last year. The 2012 fourth-rounder set career highs in rushing yards (1,099), yards-per-carry (5.1), rushing touchdowns (8) and receptions (38). That translates to a healthy 10.7 fantasy point per week for all you owners out there. Not a bad return for a guy most fantasy owners drafted in the tenth round.
Miller should be taken much earlier this year, as he has a good chance to top last season's numbers. ESPN Dolphins reporter Adam Beasley says that Miller has gained roughly seven pounds of muscle this offseason in anticipation for a heavier workload. Miller now weighs 225 pounds to go along with his 5-foot-10 frame. With a bowling ball frame similar to Michael Turner, is Miller the new "Burner?"
The Dolphins finished 12th in rushing offense last season, generating 117 yards per game on the ground. That ranking is especially impressive when you consider that Miami attempted just the tenth fewest rushing plays in the league. The Dolphins could up that number this season with wide receiver Mike Wallace in Minnesota now and a rookie likely taking his place.
Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor designed a low-risk high-efficiency offense that enabled quarterback Ryan Tannehill to set career marks in completion percentage (66.4), passing yards (4,045) and touchdowns (27). But most importantly, Lazor incorporated the zone-read into the running game. Tannehill also set career highs in rushing attempts (56) and rushing yards (311).
If healthy, Miller should once again take advantage of the enormous running lanes provided to him by this scheme. The Dolphins have always liked Miller's speed. Now without any physical ailments slowing him down, he seems to be putting it all together as he enters his fourth year in the league. As of this writing, he's a solid RB2.
