State of the Miami Dolphins Roster: Running Backs

by Matty I on Feb 4, 2011 7:30 AM EST in 2012 Miami Dolphins News

This post is part of a series of posts that will break down and evaluate the Miami Dolphins position by position. If you haven't read up on how players are being classified (the number and letter that follow each player's name), you can read this post explaining the evaluation system.

If the quarterback position isn't at the very top of their list of needs, then there's a good chance that the running back position is. Two years ago, the Dolphins had one of the best rushing attacks in the entire NFL. But now? This team is a shell of what they used to be on the ground. While the struggles along the offensive line are certainly to blame as well, Miami's running backs just didn't look like what we had grown used to seeing.

Time to grade...

Ronnie Brown (2-B). I'm still willing to put Ronnie in the second tier simply because I think this past season was way out of character for him. He never averaged below 4.2 yards per carry in his career until last year's 3.7 ypc figure. But I still feel like he wasn't being used as he should be and was really hurt by the struggles of the offensive line. He's 29 now, though, so his best football is probably behind him. I'd still like to give him one more chance behind an improved line before officially declaring Ronnie a declining running back whose career has suddenly gotten late real fast.

Ricky Williams (2-B). He'll be 34 in May and recently publicly criticized Tony Sparano in the media. But the man can still play. His numbers in 2010 were nearly identical to his '08 numbers. However, he's only human and is going to hit that running back wall sooner rather than later. He still has that impressive initial burst through the hole and still has a place in this league. I just don't know if it'll be in Miami.

Lex Hilliard (3-E). Lex is much older than his number of career carries - only 23 - would make you think. He'll be 27 in July and has already been in the league three seasons, though he spent all of his rookie season on Miami's practice squad. Despite his age, Hilliard is very much an unknown. But the fact that he's survived three years worth of "churning" by this front office makes me think the staff does see something in him. However, if the staff does believe he's worthy of a larger role, wouldn't he have seen an expanded role by now?

Patrick Cobbs (3-E). Cobbs is known as a favorite of head coach Tony Sparano thanks to his versatility and special teams contributions. But as a true running back, this 28 year old is probably nothing more than a bottom of the depth chart guy. He's the kind of role player good teams have. But he'll likely never be more than that - a role player.

Kory Sheets (3-E). Sheets is an anomaly because he has the characteristics of a guy who should be in group 3-D. After all, he's really an unknown as to what he can contribute to this team. But he'll be 26 next month, putting him in the 3-E category. He spent all of 2010 on Injured Reserve after suffering an Achilles' injury in August. He possesses the kind of speed and explosiveness that this offense (and return game) lacks. But it's anyone's guess as to the kind of contribution Sheets will make in 2011 and beyond.

Lousaka Polite (3-E). Polite has become a fan favorite thanks to his short-yardage prowess. There may not be a better back in the league when it comes to converting 3rd or 4th & 1s. But his lead blocking really left something to be desired this past season. And that is the number one job of any fullback. His struggles blocking quietly was a big factor in the ground game's struggles in 2010.

Deon Anderson (4-F). This former Cowboys fullback played in one game before getting placed on IR with a triceps injury. I wouldn't consider Anderson anything more than camp fodder at this point.

Contract situations: As we all know, both Ricky and Ronnie are unrestricted free agents. Hilliard and Cobbs, meanwhile, are restricted free agents. And Sheets is an exclusive rights free agent - meaning he's likely a lock to make it to camp and battle for a roster spot.

Outlook: This unit could look very different in a couple of months. GM Jeff Ireland said that it's not out of the question that one of the big two (Ricky or Ronnie) could return to Miami. In light of his recent comments, I don't see how Williams could come back and look Tony Sparano in the eye. Ronnie has said he wants to come back to Miami. But if he can get more money elsewhere, I wouldn't blame him for leaving. Regardless, the Dolphins will address this position either in the draft or in free agency...or both.

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Sheets will be coming back strong for 2011

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by Weecho85 on Feb 4, 2011 9:35 AM EST reply actions

Uh-hun

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by Alpha6 on Feb 5, 2011 2:35 AM EST up reply actions

Ricky

Ricky already pretty much stated that he is leaving and wont play for Mr. Micromanager TS. And with the age of Ronnie, this is why drafting Ingram makes sense coupled with the fact that there isnt any QB in this draft who I can honestly say is a better player than Ingram now or even in the possible future. We need to address the QB position in trade or FA.

by miamimike71 on Feb 4, 2011 9:59 AM EST reply actions

He has said he is open to returning.

by LordBishop34 on Feb 4, 2011 11:20 AM EST up reply actions

Ricky and Ronnie combined for 1,400+ yards in 359 carries. thats 3.9 per carry, just below the popular bench mark of 4.0 yards per carry. With a better O-Line, the two would likely have combined for more yards and 4.0+ YPC.

I don’t think the RB’s were the problem for our lack of a run game. It’s the O-Line that needs fixing.

If it were up to me, I’d bring them both back for atleast one more year. However, we do need to add speed in the backfield. We can draft a speed back in the middle rounds of the draft or sign one like Steve Slaton or Reggie Bush in free agency to compliment our big backs. But, we don’t need to take Mark Ingram in the 1st round for our running game to improve.

by JP 23 on Feb 4, 2011 10:32 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Don't forget...

…that Polite was a bigger problem than anyone (but Matty in this article) recognizes. Shoot, I don’ t want to blame him either. Almost every Dolphin fan loves him. However, if you’re lead blocker whiffs on his block, that particular running play is in serious jeopardy. And apparently he whiffed quite often in 2010.

Now, was that just an off year for Polite? Or is he not a very good lead blocker? In which case, we should be looking at replacing him if we want to run the damn ball successfully.

by BigBenky on Feb 4, 2011 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

Ronnie still has plenty in the tank,

the bad O line, and Lousucka were problems, but Ronnie was a victim of bad playcalling as well, everybody was obviously but Ronnie in particular got the short end of the stick, that has a lot to do with the switching back and forth with Ricky, just as Ronnie had more shots at the endzone.

On a normal team I wouldn’t expect Ricky back, but this team is just dysfunctional enough to actually try to bring him back, I still don’t think it’s likely since Ricky said he didn’t want to come back under this FO, but I guess you never know.

Now is a great time to part ways though, he’s unhappy and 34 so I’m gonna assume he’s gone for the sake of argument.

We don’t have jack out side those 2, Hilliard is a ST guy, Cobbs is a 3rd down/utility/STs guy, and Sheets is nothing so far, Travis Minor all over again, the best thing he could become is a good returner/3rd down back.

We also may need a new FB, just like Henne, Lou is on the hotseat and serious competition should be brought in for that spot.

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by uncle finster on Feb 4, 2011 11:08 AM EST reply actions

Unless something DRASTIC happens and every RB is off the market & out of the draft by our first pick, then no more Ricky I suspect

& hope.

I’ll be glad to see him gone after his shenanigans with the media.

chl all that and a dime sack, where the paper at?

by chrislucas on Feb 4, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions

Playcalling didn't help at all

I can’t remember the exact stats but I remember one game in particular that Ronnie had like 50 yards on one drive (I believe it was the opening drive) and had something like 2 touches the rest of the game. The whole switching them out every series was dumb, I am believer you go with who is hot in that game.

On the "get Jake Locker in the draft no matter what it takes" bandwagon

by Agent J 78 on Feb 4, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

It was against Baltimore

On the opening drive Ronnie had 45 yards on 6 carries and had 3 carries the rest of the game for 14 yards.

As far as I am concerned if a guy is that hot on the oening drive he needs to get the ball back in his hands ASAP. This is an example why Henning had to go. It felt like every game the Dolphins had an amazing opening drive (seemed to usually lead to points) but would never make any adjustments after.

On the "get Jake Locker in the draft no matter what it takes" bandwagon

by Agent J 78 on Feb 4, 2011 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

Quick check on opening drives.

We scored on our games opening drive in 8 games (4 TD & 4 FG) and 3 other games we scored on our second drive (1 TD & 2 FG). The other 5 games we were shutout in the 1st quarter. Not quite as good as I thought but still not bad.

On the "get Jake Locker in the draft no matter what it takes" bandwagon

by Agent J 78 on Feb 4, 2011 2:05 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed.

by uncle finster on Feb 6, 2011 11:51 AM EST up reply actions

Ricky

Regardless of which one we bring back it will likely be for a short time. So with that in mind I would rather have the better of the two and get Ricky back if he is willing.

by LordBishop34 on Feb 4, 2011 11:24 AM EST reply actions

I'd have to say Both Ricky & Ronnie deserve to stay..

You need to think of these guys as you would 1 back. They work together seamlessly. The OL & Polite was the major problem with our running game this season. NO PUSH up front & Whiffing on critical lead blocks again & again..

Not to mention… Ronnie finally proved he can stay healthy for a whole season!

Let’s keep them, focus on getting Cam Newton in the 1st round & look for a decent back in the 2nd (if we can get one back) of 3rd round…

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by Pianomanzz on Feb 4, 2011 12:44 PM EST reply actions

Louuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Polite is definitely a 2-B (or 2-C… I’m not sure how old he is). Solid starter. Had some struggles blocking last year, but I don’t think anyone would suggest that we need to upgrade at FB just yet.

by Saxonthebeach on Feb 4, 2011 1:19 PM EST reply actions

I disagree

I think we do need an upgrade at FB. We need a FB that will blow up the LB in the hole, letting Ronnie/Ricky/Lex/Kory.Patrick/???? get into open space.

But, with saying that, I don’t think you get rid of Lou either. He has a role as a short yardage back.

It’s like a pass catching TE vs. a blocking TE.

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by Kevin Nogle on Feb 4, 2011 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

I believe Le'Ron McClain is a UFA.

On the "get Jake Locker in the draft no matter what it takes" bandwagon

by Agent J 78 on Feb 4, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

That would be an amazing pickup.

I’d rather just feed him the ball instead of having him block.

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by joel311 on Feb 4, 2011 2:16 PM EST up reply actions

I just want to be at that 1st practice

when him and Crowder line up against each other. lol

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by boca_phin_fan on Feb 4, 2011 4:17 PM EST up reply actions

I hope Ronnie Brown comes back.

When healthy, I believe he’s a feature-back in the NFL. The time he’s spent off the field due to injury takes years off of his age (relative to the NFL). Last year was just a disaster; like you mentioned, Lousaka Polite is a below-average blocker. The interior of the offensive line was pathetic. Ronnie is a high character guy, he’s a physical specimen, and he’s ready to play.

by vincemoss86 on Feb 4, 2011 1:49 PM EST reply actions

Stable

I am in favor of bringing Ronnie back. Keep Lex as the primary back up. Draft a change of pace back in the 3rd or later. I am in favor of Derrick Locke for his versatility due to good hands out of the backfield and KR abilities.

Ronnie always seemed to be at his best when he was given a chance to wear out the defense. IIRC, when he put up his biggest years, a good portion of his yardage came late in the game when he had a rhythm going and the D was tired of him running them over. He never had that chance this year with the poor OL and Henning putting Ricky in every other play.

If we don’t keep either, then we have to sign a FA like Pierre Thomas, Deangelo Williams, or Michael Bush. I am not sure this year’s draft has a guy that can be inserted right away as a starter other than maybe Ingram and i don’t think he has the necessary speed to be a top 15 pick.

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by small balls on Feb 4, 2011 2:04 PM EST reply actions

Ricky burned his bridges with TS

and I suspect he’ll be gone. Keep Ronnie, maybe draft Mikel Lashoure (sp?) if we dont take a QB in the first and maybe drop outta the first round and get a second round pick.
I like Lashoure better than Ingram anyway.

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by CanT0o on Feb 4, 2011 3:34 PM EST reply actions

They are both adults

they can learn to play nice again. lol

On the "get Jake Locker in the draft no matter what it takes" bandwagon

by Agent J 78 on Feb 4, 2011 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

Bring Ronnie Back

only if he wants to come back for cheap. Don’t know if Sheets will have his speed and acceleration after the injury, so get a guy like Derrick Locke (Kentucky) late (around 7th, prolly the 6th after the Underwear Olympics and pro days). As for RB, grab a guy that can contribute immediately. I like Bilal Powell (Louisville) and/or Jamie Harper (Clemson). 3rd or 4th round. FB won’t be addressed unless Le’Ron McClain miraculously becomes available. And supposedly we have competition. Deon Anderson? lol. As for FA (if it happens), BRING MICHAEL BUSH TO MIAMI!

Touchdown, Ronnie Brown Edition!

by 23_Wind on Feb 4, 2011 4:09 PM EST reply actions

Locke has been gaining steam

don’t be surprised if he starts getting talk about the 4th round.

On the "get Jake Locker in the draft no matter what it takes" bandwagon

by Agent J 78 on Feb 4, 2011 4:36 PM EST up reply actions

speed

don’t be surprised if he starts getting talked about better than even the 4th if he runs like he has before at the UK pro day. he ran a 4.25 there last year. not saying that is his real time, but anywhere close that and he will turn heads.

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by small balls on Feb 4, 2011 9:33 PM EST up reply actions

em locke is a great player

he has already turned alot of heads at the Senior bowl.

by civwarbuff on Feb 4, 2011 9:36 PM EST up reply actions

Cobbs and Hilliard will be back

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by Kdog92 on Feb 4, 2011 4:10 PM EST reply actions

I really hope Cobbs does not come back.

He is a below average “change of pace” back. He is a below average “utility” man. He is below average in all aspects (size, speed, ability). He’s on the team because he’s a “blue collar” guy that Sparano is in love with.

by vincemoss86 on Feb 4, 2011 5:12 PM EST up reply actions

i agree i dont think

Patrick Cobbs offers anymore to remain on the roster. He is no longer a core special teamer, he has a very limited role in the offense, he isnt a great runner and isnt a great blocker. Patrick Cobbs is a guy who as a man, its hard to dislike him, but he doesnt add any real value anymore to the roster.

by civwarbuff on Feb 4, 2011 5:29 PM EST up reply actions

actually i think

neither will be back.

by civwarbuff on Feb 4, 2011 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

Cobbs to NE

Watch Belicheat pick up Cobbs, torque him up a little bit and use him against the Dolphins like he used Woodhead against the Jets. Cobbs is our Kevin Faulk..doesnt do any one thing particularly well but does a lot of things to keep us in the game.

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Be yourself. Everyone else seems to be taken anyhow.

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The other 77% are Jets fans.

by CanT0o on Feb 4, 2011 5:26 PM EST reply actions

Cobbs had like 15 to 20 touches this year

And he was successful on probably two plays. He’s much smaller than Kevin Faulk, and nowhere near as good of an athlete. Yes, he can catch, but so can lots of average runningbacks.

by vincemoss86 on Feb 4, 2011 6:10 PM EST up reply actions

To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if all of these guys (except Polite) were gone this year...

If we keep one of Ronnie and Ricky…maybe one other…you’d have to think that the rest of the guys would have received more playing time, especially when we were officially out of contention.

by cordy_1971 on Feb 4, 2011 6:35 PM EST reply actions

i dont think

with Ricky Williams leaving it would be wise to let Ronnie Brown walk.

by civwarbuff on Feb 4, 2011 8:47 PM EST up reply actions

i think

he is just to talented, has too much heart and knowlege and is too big a piece of our offense especially with Ricky Williams leaving to let him walk.

by civwarbuff on Feb 4, 2011 8:52 PM EST up reply actions

As for Lousaka

this is a guy who the more in depth you go as far as watching our games, the more you realize his shortcomings, are they are prevalent, trust me. He has made his mark in short yardage situations but matty is absolutly right as far as his lead blocking. I havent been thrillled with a few things in regards to his blocking.

by civwarbuff on Feb 4, 2011 9:05 PM EST up reply actions

Yes...

You get used to counting on him on 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1….but during a game you don’t think to think…‘oh, they stuffed that run attempt’…oh wait…Polite miffed his assignment. I’m thinking his short yardage skills will keep him with the team…and hopefully they can coach some better blocking into him.

by cordy_1971 on Feb 5, 2011 11:18 AM EST up reply actions

I think that is the most likel scenario.

by civwarbuff on Feb 5, 2011 4:53 PM EST up reply actions

Clean house!

Keep Polite and pick up young guys in the draft. Maybe bring Brown back if the price is right.

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by MightyHal on Feb 4, 2011 9:31 PM EST reply actions

We'd have to use too many pics.

And we ain’t got that many

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by Tunaflipper on Feb 5, 2011 3:32 AM EST up reply actions

Keep Ronnie and have him mentor Mark Ingram

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by Patssuck456 on Feb 4, 2011 9:44 PM EST reply actions

i agree i just dont think

we can afford to let Ronnie walk.

by civwarbuff on Feb 5, 2011 7:43 AM EST up reply actions

Keep Ronnie Draft Ingram and Kendall Hunter or Jacquizz Rogers

Ronnie is still a stud. Ingram will be a load and many people are comparing him to Emmitt Smith. Hunter or Rogers would be the perfect change of pace back that we need. SPEED KILLS! Remember back when the Dolphins were great we had thunder and lightning and smarts. Another possibility is signing Michael Bush. This guy is similar to Ronnie in that he has not had a lot of touches in his career.

by sundevil11 on Feb 5, 2011 12:38 AM EST reply actions

Michael Bush would be great but...

Al Davis thinks that Bush and McFadden complement each other.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/41370269/ns/sports-player_news/

by Renaldo Pierre Brown on Feb 5, 2011 1:50 AM EST up reply actions

Michael bush is an outstanding player.

does not get nearly the media attention he deserves. I think he is more well rounded runner than Darren McFadden is. He was a big piece this season to the amount of success Oakland had on the ground this year.

by civwarbuff on Feb 5, 2011 7:42 AM EST up reply actions

Keep Ronnie

Draft DeMarco Murray. Speed, great receiver and he can return kicks.

by Renaldo Pierre Brown on Feb 5, 2011 1:47 AM EST reply actions

Very possible......

I believe he has a 3rd round grade too…… about the spot we will look to draft a RB.

On the "get Jake Locker in the draft no matter what it takes" bandwagon

by Agent J 78 on Feb 5, 2011 10:45 AM EST up reply actions

I hope so

Hopefully, we can trade down and get a QB and a Olineman in rounds one and two. This draft is so top heavy with defensive players that you don’t want to reach on ANY position on offense. Its very possible to trade down and still have a shot at a top QB and C/G. Hell, why not draft a good L tack, move him to the right side and move Carey to left guard. And then there is free agency.

by Renaldo Pierre Brown on Feb 5, 2011 11:11 PM EST up reply actions

I was looking at a few draft scenarios

and one I think is plausible is trading with the saints. If we traded the 15th pick for the 24th and 56th it would nearly be equal in the draft value chart. The Saints need a 4-3 DE pass rusher and Ryan Kerrigan will most likely be available at 15. We draft Gabe Carimi or Anthony Castonzo (Maybe Mike Pouncey or Stefen Wisniewski) with the 24th pick and Colin Kaepernick, Christian Ponder or Jake Locker with the 56th pick (I know I am a little skeptical on another 2nd round QB). If we don’t get a G or T with the 24th we could also consider John Moffitt or Marcus Cannon with the 56th.

If Titus Young is given a 1st round grade I would consider him just because he would be amazing on the other side of BM with Bess in the slot. With Hartline as our 4th WR we could have a very good (if not amazing) 4-WR set.

On the "get Jake Locker in the draft no matter what it takes" bandwagon

by Agent J 78 on Feb 6, 2011 9:47 AM EST up reply actions

Mallett could be available in the 2nd round as well

but after the Senior Bowl Locker is the most likely to take a Clasuen like fall.

On the "get Jake Locker in the draft no matter what it takes" bandwagon

by Agent J 78 on Feb 6, 2011 9:48 AM EST up reply actions

Is Larry Czonka available?

by Alpha6 on Feb 5, 2011 2:35 AM EST reply actions

He's somewhere up in Alaska.

We should go find him.

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by Tunaflipper on Feb 5, 2011 3:33 AM EST up reply actions

he is a complementary back at the most

by Renaldo Pierre Brown on Feb 5, 2011 11:18 PM EST up reply actions

Lex ain't all that

by Alpha6 on Feb 6, 2011 2:01 AM EST up reply actions

I think that we should bring ronnie back and sign a FA like Deangelo Williams or Michael Bush. After that, we draft Pouncey and try and upgrade the OL even more.

by Colt1235 on Feb 5, 2011 6:14 PM EST reply actions