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After last season, I’ve been trying to do a better job of acting less like a fan and more like an analyst. But like any draft process, there are always players that we prefer over the rest of the group. For me, DeVonta Smith was the wide receiver I coveted. (Yes, I’m happy with Waddle, unlike Craniator) And Jaelan Phillips was an absolute home run of a pick at #18. But now, with not one but two running backs selected in yesterday's first round, it’s time for the Miami Dolphins to stop playing games.
Draft.
Javonte.
Williams.
javonte williams vs FSU pic.twitter.com/m7dmbg48qW
— josh houtz (@houtz) April 18, 2021
Now, I know, I know, there’s a laundry list of players that could easily fill that bESt PlAyeR aVaILaBle nonsense that we continue to hear every year. But I’m tired of coming oh so close to the league’s next star running back. And make no mistake about it, just as Najee Harris and Travis Etienne are widely considered game-changing running backs. It would be foolish to keep 21-year-old Javonte Williams out of that discussion.
He can do it all.
I wrote about how I believe Javonte Williams to be the perfect running back for the Dolphins earlier this season. And Kevin also showcased Williams’ in our 2021 NFL Draft profile series.
The point of all of this?
Yes, there are a ton of great players still on the board. And yes, a Creed Humphrey, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Teven Jenkins, Asante Samuel, or insert your favorite available prospect’s name _____ would certainly fit areas of need. But there’s no skill player in the entire sport (outside of the quarterback) that touches the ball as much as the running back. And sure, Myles Gaskin averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 2021—and I would bet good money Eric Studesville thinks the world of him. But Gaskin is lightning, and we all know the one thing that compliments lightning, thunder.
Javonte Williams is that thunder, and so much more.
javonte williams is a beast pic.twitter.com/ZwxsMpDtxu
— josh houtz (@houtz) February 22, 2021
Ultimately, I would understand if Chris Grier and Brian Flores decided to go elsewhere. Because again, there are plenty of nice players still left on the board. But after completely fumbling the position away a year ago, they can’t get cute and let history repeat itself.
Javonte Williams is the total package. And the last time the Dolphins had a running back with a similar build and skill-set, the entire world was chanting these three simple words.
Run Ricky Javonte Run