Jay Ajayi
After the departure of former starting back Lamar Miller to Houston this offseason, Ajayi is his presumed replacement. In nine appearances as a rookie in 2015, he amassed 187 yards and a touchdown on 49 attempts, averaging 3.8 yards per attempt in the process. Head coach Adam Gase has had rave reviews so far in the offseason program, complimenting his combination of straightforward physicality and lateral motion in traffic.
Damien Williams
Williams had 59 yards in 16 attempts last season and is considered the “wild card” of the depth chart. He made some positive strides in his efforts on special teams, but will be playing for a more prominent role in the Dolphins’ backfield in 2016.
Isaiah Pead
His first four professional seasons have been compromised by a series of injuries, but is hoping for a new start with Miami. A fleet of foot runner excellent at subverting tackles near the line, he averaged nearly 1,300 yards during his collegiate career. Gase and Co. will give Pead his chances to prove himself this summer.
Daniel Thomas
Thomas has some familiarity with Gase after a brief stint with Chicago last season; his last training camp appearance in a Dolphins uniform was two summers ago before a release prior to the regular season, though was re-signed again soon after the 2015 campaign began. He had 1,480 yards and 10 touchdowns in a four year pro career.
Kenyan Drake
Every time Drake had a shot to prove himself in Alabama’s pro style backfield, another eventual NFL second rounder would assume the No. 1 slot. Case in point: Eddie Lacy, T.J. Yeldon, and most recently Derrick Henry. But the promise is clearly there; he had 1,495 yards and 18 touchdowns, and 2,405 all purpose yardage, in his four years in Tuscaloosa.
