Each NFL team’s biggest breakout candidate
By Conor Dorney
Miami Dolphins – Kalen Ballage
As an Arizona State alum, my affinity for rooting for former Sun Devils in the NFL may be influencing my decision to pick Kalen Ballage as the Dolphins’ potential breakout player, but at least I’ve given all my readers the chance to call me a homer!
Ballage never quite matched production with potential during his career as a Sun Devil, but the Miami Dolphins are hoping that changes once he suits up for his first action in the NFL.
Though he possessed some of the best physical tools of any running back in the 2018 Draft, but a deep class and concerns over whether he was truly ready for the NFL game had him slide to the end of the fourth round.
Ballage’s versatility and athleticism are his best traits as a running back, and that versatility will be key to his success at the next level. He’s unlikely to be an every-down back early on in his career, so Ballage will need to make the most out of his opportunities when he does see the field.
Frank Gore and Kenyan Drake area expected to lead the charge for the Dolphins at running back, meaning Ballage will be utilized primarily on special teams and to occasionally spell the aforementioned starters. A limited role could be very beneficial for a raw talent like Ballage’s and with the fragility of running backs at the NFL level, the Dolphins are hoping Ballage can reach his potential when called upon.