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Heard again today that Dolphins doing a LOT of research, interviews on Todd Gurley & people close to him. They are unquestionably intrigued
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) April 16, 2015
The Miami Dolphins are doing their homework on Georgia running back Todd Gurley, according to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. Gurley is considered the top running back in this year's draft, with Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon a close second. Gurley would have been near, or at, the top of most draft boards this offseason, if he were not coming off an ACL tear that sidelined him late in the 2014 season for Georgia. The Dolphins, or any other team that has interest, would have to be convinced the knee, and Gurley, could return to top form if they were to use a first round pick on the running back.
To get that confirmation, the first step will happen today. According to a report from Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today Sports, Gurley will undergo a physical in Indianapolis Friday, allowing "dozens of doctors [to] grab at his leg during the league's official medical recheck."
Obviously, if you have read either my 2015 NFL Mock Draft 1.0 or the SB Nation NFL Bloggers Mock Draft, I have had the Dolphins taking Gurley with the 14th overall pick twice. He would not be my first choice, if I had access to the full draft board at that pick, but he is not that far down the list, and is definitely someone I would hope Miami would consider. He has the potential to become an elite running back in the NFL, and he could be exactly what the Dolphins need in the backfield with Lamar Miller.
A lot of people have pointed to Miller, who ran for 1,099 yards last season, as why the Dolphins should stay away from the running back position. It is Miller's 2014 season, however, that shows exactly why the Dolphins should be "unquestionably intrigued" with Gurley. Miami clearly wants to keep Miller fresh throughout the season, limiting him to an average of just 13.5 carries per game, and never allowing him to reach 20 carries in any contest. They signed Knowshon Moreno to be the other side of the running back platoon the franchise clearly wants, only to see him get injured. Then, they added Daniel Thomas back to the roster, looking for that second rusher to provide some power running.
The success of Miller last season does not preclude Miami from looking for an additional running back, and, as long as the knee is (or will be) healthy, Gurley could be the special running back that dominates in the league.