The 2013 Miami Dolphins finished the season 17th in yards per rushing attemp (4.1), 26th in rushing yards (1,440), 27th in rushing touchdowns (8), and 29th in rushing attempts (349). They averaged just 90.0 rushing yards per game over the course of the season. The inept running game was a big factor in the firing of offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, and is at least a part of why the Dolphins have to invest heavily in a retooled offensive line this year. It also could mean Miami is going to consider a change at the running back position this year.
Starting running back Lamar Miller ended the year with 709 rushing yards on 177 carries (4.0 yards per attempt), with two touchdowns. Second string Daniel Thomas carried the ball 109 times for 406 yards (3.7 yards per attempt) with four touchdowns. While the low stats could be attributed to the offensive line struggles and questionable play calling, at some point, a running back has to be able to put his head down and pick up the one- or two-yards the team needs. That did not happen in 2013.
Behind those two, the Dolphins also have last year's fifth round draft choice Mike Gilislee, return man Marcus Thigpen, and practice squad member Cameron Marshall.
Miami could look to free agency to address the running back position, potentially chasing names like Ben Tate, Maurice Jones-Drew, or LeGarrette Blount, or they could wait until the later rounds in May's NFL Draft to try to snag a running back. Based on a report from the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Chris Perkins, the Dolphins could be doing their homework on potential draft prospects at the position.
Perkins reported this week, the Dolphins used one of their NFL Scouting Combine interview periods to talk to Auburn's Tre Mason. The 2013 Heisman Trophy finalist ran the ball 317 times for Auburn, tallying 1,816 yards (5.7 yards per carry average) with 23 touchdowns. He is expected to be a second- or third-round draft pick.
The Dolphins also met with Arizona running back Ka'Deem Carey and Virginia Tech quarterback Logan Thomas, according to Walter Football.