Abramson: Dolphins to seek "upgrade" to Miller, notes on Tannehill, Jordan, D. Thomas

[TheWalrus]

MOBILE, Ala– Senior Bowl week has begun and scouts, management and other NFL personnel types are arriving to Mobile.

Here are a few Dolphins rumblings from insiders:

- Although the offensive line didn’t do him any favors, Lamar Miller could get getting some new competition this season either from the draft or free agency. There is a feeling within the Dolphins organization that Miller is not the answer at running back. He predicted a 1,500 yard season and but ran for just 709 yards and two touchdowns this season. New offensive coordinator Bill Lazor is expected to bring more of a balanced attack to the offense, but that could include a new option at running back. Using a 2nd-to-4th round pick for a running back wouldn’t be a surprise, unless the new GM decides he really likes Miller. Daniel Thomas is still on the roster as well and while he could compete for playing time, he’s not viewed as a long term answer as a top back.

More at the link:http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/thed...m-search-and-more-rumblings-from-senior-bowl/

Not unlike Barry Jackson's latest set of rumors, this sounds to me like grumbling from the personnel department about the coaching staff. Interesting nonetheless.

 

[johngarryvo]

upgrade from Miller... Thomas not the answer... DUH!!??!

 

[marinotoclayton]

I think rb position would be fine if line gets fixed. Thomas can go tho. Competition could be good for Miller. I never thought muxh of Thomas.i would be all for bringing in a Ben Tate if it were possible.

 

[TheWalrus]

I think rb position would be fine if line gets fixed. Thomas can go tho. Competition could be good for Miller. I never thought muxh of Thomas.i would be all for bringing in a Ben Tate if it were possible.

I recognize the offensive line play was terrible but Miller hardly ever breaks tackles. Not a trait you want in your main back. Unfortunately he's looking more and more like another Felix Jones... a running back that teases due to the size/speed combo only he breaks tackles like a 165 pounder rather than a 215 pounder. One wonders if Ireland just looked at his weight and decided that was what breaks tackles. I don't mean that as sarcasm, btw. If you look at 230 pound Daniel Thomas it's the same mistake.

Both of them have great feet and I'm sure look wonderful in drills. But if you're never going to break a tackle you better have absolutely stunning feet and great vision, and neither Miller nor Thomas has ever been accused of having those.

I've advocated Toby Gerhart in a few threads and still think he's the best option in free agency. His reputation has been sullied over the years because he looks poor on the hoof compared to a transcendent talent like Peterson but if you look at his production compared to Peterson it's not as stark as you'd think. The guy can play.

 

[Spesh]

Jeff Ireland is laying low after being fired by the Dolphins two weeks ago. He’s not expected to be at the Senior Bowl which means he likely doesn’t have any offers from any teams yet to join their personnel department.

Ugh, no. I have it on good authority Jeff Ireland is highly regarded around the league. For reasons of: because.
If he hasnt gotten a job offer, its because he actually has gotten a job offer and the media isnt reporting it because they hate Dolphins fans. Or something.

 

[Spesh]

I recognize the offensive line play was terrible but Miller hardly ever breaks tackles. Not a trait you want in your main back. Unfortunately he's looking more and more like another Felix Jones... a running back that teases due to the size/speed combo only he breaks tackles like a 165 pounder rather than a 215 pounder. One wonders if Ireland just looked at his weight and decided that was what breaks tackles. I don't mean that as sarcasm, btw. If you look at 230 pound Daniel Thomas it's the same mistake.

Both of them have great feet and I'm sure look wonderful in drills. But if you're never going to break a tackle you better have absolutely stunning feet and great vision, and neither guy has those traits.

I've advocated Toby Gerhart in a few threads and still think he's the best option in free agency. His reputation has been sullied over the years because he looks poor on the hoof compared to a transcendent talent like Peterson but if you look at his production compared to Peterson it's not as stark as you'd think. The guy can play.

26 year old backs are going to be a hard sell no matter what. That said, i suspect that Gerhart has a relatively higher opinion around the league then he does among fans.

People are so quick to forget, Peterson had a absolutely **** reputation when it came to durability. He suffered in his rookie season and, while he was somewhat fine for the next few seasons, the injury concern always floated around peoples mind. You dont spend a 2nd round pick on a running back unless you have a plan(even Ireland had a plan for Daniel Thomas, it was just a ****ing stupid plan). Gerhart was supposed to be the thunder to Peterson's lightning, i personally dont think theres any shame in having that plan put on the backburner because Peterson not only turns into a HoF'er but a mutant when it comes to recovering from injuries.

 

[TheWalrus]

26 year old backs are going to be a hard sell no matter what. That said, i suspect that Gerhart has a relatively higher opinion around the league then he does among fans.

People are so quick to forget, Peterson had a absolutely **** reputation when it came to durability. He suffered in his rookie season and, while he was somewhat fine for the next few seasons, the injury concern always floated around peoples mind. You dont spend a 2nd round pick on a running back unless you have a plan(even Ireland had a plan for Daniel Thomas, it was just a ****ing stupid plan). Gerhart was supposed to be the thunder to Peterson's lightning, i personally dont think theres any shame in having that plan put on the backburner because Peterson not only turns into a HoF'er but a mutant when it comes to recovering from injuries.

Gerhart will actually be 27 in March, but regardless this is a guy who's never had more than 109 carries in a season and has only carried the ball 86 times over the last two years combined. Age is age but just in terms of wear and tear he should still have a good amount of tread left on the tires after have gone through a grueling college career.

In terms of production.... the great Adrian Peterson has averaged 5.0 yards per carry for his career. Toby Gerhart has averaged... 4.7. Not that big a difference, though in my experience you generally see a higher ypc when a guy has fewer carries. Also, though I'm sure people will point out -- rightly -- that Peterson is a below average blocker and pass receiver and teams can key on him when he's in the game, it's not like Gerhart scores all that well as a blocker, either. PFF has consistently rated him as being mediocre.

 

[Valandui]

Gerhart would be an awesome addition. I wanted us to draft him when he came out.

 

[Spesh]

Gerhart will actually be 27 in March, but regardless this is a guy who's never had more than 109 carries in a season and has only carried the ball 86 times over the last two years combined. Age is age but just in terms of wear and tear he should still have a good amount of tread left on the tires after have gone through a grueling college career.

Apologies, when i suggested his age and "hard sell", i meant for his agent and collecting a decent contract. I have doubts he will collect more then, say, Chester Taylor did when he signed with the Bears(2006, $14 million). I wouldnt be surprised if we could grab him for slightly above a veteran minimum. Which i would support, and i would support signing him for a reasonable contract above that.

Im all about getting Daniel Thomas off this ****ing roster(which would be incidental, but still satisfying).

 

[phinking]

I Think the RBs on this team are terrible. There were times when I saw huge holes open and they did not hit them. Miller seems he would rather just hit it outside. Give me Tate in Free Agency or draft Hyde or Williams.

 

[SWS84]

I've advocated Toby Gerhart in a few threads and still think he's the best option in free agency. His reputation has been sullied over the years because he looks poor on the hoof compared to a transcendent talent like Peterson but if you look at his production compared to Peterson it's not as stark as you'd think. The guy can play.

When it's 3rd and 2, can the guy pick up 2 yards? If so, sign him up!

Seriously, I like Gerhart, too. Not sure if he would ever sign with Dolphins though. I read in the media just about every day that NOOOOOBODY wants to play, coach, or GM for the low life Dolphins.

 

[rickd13]

I would not sign a running back in free agency unless it was someone you can sign for close to the league minimum. Running backs get used up fast in the NFL and a veteran player will already have "mileage" on him and cost more than a rookie. Running backs could be found in the lower rounds of the draft and therefore not burden your salary cap. I would look to upgrade the position through the draft.

 

[Hayden Fox]

It is obvious Joe has no use for Miller.

 

[hoops]

2 freaking tds from your lead running back...:tubes:

 

[Zounds]

We should have never trusted Miller/Thomas to be the starting RBs this year. It was a position of need prior to the 2013 season. There have already been rumors of Philbin not being comfortable with Martin at LT and being denied additional help at OT, so I'd love to know who made the call on going into the season with Miller and Thomas as our RBs. These guys were awful.