NFL: Breaking down the 2015 Miami Dolphins

Running Back

Starters: Lamar Miller

Depth: Damien Williams, LaMichael James, Mike Gillislee, Jay Ajayi (rookie)

Lamar Miller had career numbers in 2014, totaling 1,099 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, while also adding 38 catches for 275 yards and a touchdown through the air. He averaged 5.09 yards per carry as well, though he appeared to wear down later in games. The team seemed to think he might not be able to carry the full load as well, never giving him more than 19 carries—he averaged just 13.5 per game and his two 19 carry games happened in the last two weeks of the season.

Miller added weight this past offseason (he was reported to be at 225 by the Miami Herald’s Adam Beasley), and one would imagine he did that so he can keep up his strength at the end of a game. Miller is in the final year of his rookie contract, so he is incentivized to have a second great season.

Damien Williams was praised by Dolphins GM Dennis Hickey at the 2015 Senior Bowl, but he could feel a push for his spot at No. 2. Williams worked hard on special teams and in a third-down role last season, and his speed and burst were on display during the moments he was on the field. He’s an intriguing player who went undrafted because of massive off-field red flags, but so far it doesn’t seem to have been an issue in Miami.

That said, the Dolphins drafted Jay Ajayi in part to push guys like Williams. Ajayi dropped to the fifth round because of some real concerns about his knee, specifically an ACL tear in 2011 which destroyed the cartilage around it. He reportedly had an impressive minicamp (per Beasley again) and has the overall skills to be a three-down back if his leg holds up. He could easily supplant Williams as the No. 2, and should at worst end up as the third back otherwise.

LaMichael James is a change-of-pace back who could get pushed aside if Williams and Ajayi both play well in camp, though the team could keep him around as cheap depth and help as a kick returner.

The odd man out here is probably Mike Gillislee, who sat out last year with a hamstring injury and didn’t impress in 2013. Gillislee was a fluid, athletic runner in college and was excellent protecting the quarterback as well, but he has yet to show he can do it at the pro level.

This is Lamar Miller’s time to shine, but don’t be surprised if Williams or Ajayi get some play. The team needs to determine if they keep Miller and at what price-point but the only way to know if he is expendable is to know what they have in the younger backs.

Next: Wide Receivers—Tight Ends