ESPN: Sorting through the Dolphins' Crowded Backfield

[Perfect72]

Jay Ajayi
Analysis: Ajayi is among the Dolphins with the most to prove this year. The 2015 fifth-round pick showed a few flashes and rushed for 187 yards as a rookie. But the team is counting on Ajayi making a sizable jump in Year 2 and he’s the early leader in the clubhouse to be the starter. Ajayi is a big, physical runner who needs to do a better job of making people miss at the NFL level.
Chances of starting: 70 percent

Kenyan Drake
Analysis: The Dolphins showed interest before the draft in running backEzekiel Elliott. But after he went off the board early to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 4 overall, the Dolphins moved on and waited until the third round to take a running back. They chose Drake, who was a backup at Alabama behind Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. Drake has durability concerns and isn’t considered a bell cow. But he brings a lot of versatility as a receiver out of the backfield and kick returner. Barring injury, Drake projects as a third-down back.
Chances of starting: 25 percent

Daniel Thomas
Analysis: The veteran Thomas has quietly impressed the coaching staff with his ability to pick up the nuances of the offense. He’s been around the block with the Dolphins as a 2011 second-round pick. Thomas was a draft bust, but his experience offers him another chance to carve out a backup role with the team.
Chances of starting: 5 percent

More at LINK: http://espn.go.com/blog/miami-dolph...-through-the-miami-dolphins-crowded-backfield

 

[yardlaw]

I still don't think the opening day starter is on the roster as yet....the FO may still add another back

 

[Montana-phan]

I think Ajayi is definitely our starter. He was to top 50 talent in last years draft.

If we would had taken him in the 2nd there would be no discussion who our starter is this year.

 

[xXwarXx]

Were about to witness resurrection of Isiah Pead.

 

[DuderinoN703]

Still want a veteran for depth. Thomas isn't that.

 

[biggrouper]

Can Dallas Thomas and Daniel Thomas just please go sign with the Patriots...

 

[kcbrown]

Super basic report. Is Walker paid by the word count?

Anyway, Jay will get 1,000 yards year - book it. (Even though 1K isn't that big of a deal anymore.)

 

[yardlaw]

I think Ajayi is definitely our starter. He was to top 50 talent in last years draft.

If we would had taken him in the 2nd there would be no discussion who our starter is this year.

Really? So just ignore the fact that they kicked the tires on Chris Johnson, Arian Foster, and attempted to steal CJ Anderson from the Broncos? Okey Dokey.. :up:

 

[VBCheeseGrater]

Really? So just ignore the fact that they kicked the tires on Chris Johnson, Arian Foster, and attempted to steal CJ Anderson from the Broncos? Okey Dokey.. :up:

I think even if they signed one of those guys, it would have been in a complementary role to Ajayi.

But really, that's first time this year I've heard our backfield called crowded. Not like Williams or Thomas should be stealing carries left and right.

 

[Hayden Fox]

Crowded?

 

[crashfan]

Crowded?

That's what I was thinking.

 

[footsteps_falco]

I know Damien Williams is not viewed as a candidate to start at all, but I think he's solidified a roster spot in the backfield, no? He's not a monster on special teams or anything but he's all over the place all the time on both coverages and returns. On offense he's blocking, lining up at receiver, running between the tackles. I'm not arguing that he's a hidden gem or anything like that, but he's got some value and i'm not sure why Daniel Thomas gets mentioned over him?

 

[BlueFin]

Thomas will be hitting the road...Arian Foster will team with Ajayi....with Drake offering explosion as a change of pace back.

 

[xXwarXx]

Thomas will be hitting the road...Arian Foster will team with Ajayi....with Drake offering explosion as a change of pace back.

Even if you get foster which I think we will, I'd still expect us to still roster a 4th running back.

 

[PJack]

Crowded?

LOL....our likely starter ran for 187 yards last year....a 3rd round backup RB and a scrub. Guess "crowded" is being used in the broadest terms. If one of them doesn't emerge, we're going to pay for it unless we find a quality vet.