Dolphins' aim: Bolster run game with star RBs likely gone (1 Viewer)

[BigTex]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81ee752c/article/dolphins-aim-bolster-run-game-with-star-rbs-likely-gone

Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano says his team needs to add a running back to upgrade its offense.

"We're going to continue to run the football because that's my nature," Tony Sparano told the Miami Herald on Tuesday at the NFL's owner meetings. "That might not be popular with everybody, but that’s what I like to do. So we're going to continue to run the football."

To do so, the Dolphins likely will have to look outside the team. Although running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams could re-sign with the team after becoming unrestricted free agents, neither is expected to be in Dolphins uniforms next season.

"I don’t want to talk too much about those two guys not under contract right now," Sparano said. "From our end, the guys we can talk about are Lex Hilliard and Kory Sheets. ... It’s going to be a position we’re going to have to address one way or the other.

"When I say one way or the other, obviously, that's through the draft or free agency that we address it. We’re going to have to do that. We have plans to go forth accordingly with whatever comes first."

This has Ingram written all over it!

 

[No Way Jose]

Or DWill. But yea, they will draft a RB first or second round, no doubt.

 

[B Maverick]

With ALL the mock drafters out there plugging Ingram into Miami at their 1st pick, it wont happen

 

[thriftyrocker]

The new OC in Miami is the former OC of Cleveland - Brian Daboll.

 

[mlball77]

Could be smoke, but worth mentioning in here probably...

Rotoworld: The Dolphins have reportedly shown a "strong interest" in Virginia Tech RB Ryan Williams.The team's brass will also meet with Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure this week for the second time. If the Dolphins opt against Alabama's Mark Ingram at No. 15 overall, they'd likely have to trade into the second round for a shot at Williams or Leshoure. Miami is without a second-rounder due to last year's Brandon Marshall trade. Mar 20, 6:07 PM

 

[Houston turmOiler]

ive heard they're rumored to be interested in Sproles. I could see a Ryan Williams/Sproles pairing...

 

[Birdie048]

While too many Mock's have Ingram destined for Miami, I think they do something else to help them long term. Most NFL coaches believe RB's are lower valued. Few are willing to make a huge gamble for a RB early.

What are the chances that Miami makes a bold trade deal this off season?

They need QB, RB, LB & DB (IIRC). They are sniffin' around Cinn Carson Palmer. Rumors of Benson's exit were fluttering around pre-Combine. Ricky & Ronnie are both likely out of town. Miami has no 2nd Round pick. They have the #15 overall pick.

Paying a 1st for Carson/Benson is foolish. Both have too many issues (age & injury mostly).

But maybe they package their 1st for Palmer, Benson, a LB & Cinn 2nd rounder?

Yeah, I know.... it will never happen. While I agree, Miami does find them selves with a solid asset (#15 pick) but needs that the asset won't solve unless they make a change (trade). Will Miami make such a move? They are not shy about going after older, past prime players (Pennington, Ricky Williams, Kevin Curtis, Zach Thomas, Jason Taylor & Y Bell). They contributed, but they did not solve the problem.

Just a thought I wanted to share.... not that I believe Miami (Sparano) will do it now that Parcells has left the building....

 

[datonn]

Or DWill. But yea, they will draft a RB first or second round, no doubt.

That's what my money is on. Then drafting a rookie in the 2nd/3rd to compliment D-Will. But we'll see...

 

[David Yudkin]

MIA also needs a QB. They have no 2nd round pick. If they take Ingram, who do they play at QB? CIN still insists Palmer isn't going anywhere, and at the moment players can't be traded in the first place. Is a 30 something year old stop gap QB the answer (McNabb, for example)?

 

[BigTex]

MIA also needs a QB. They have no 2nd round pick. If they take Ingram, who do they play at QB? CIN still insists Palmer isn't going anywhere, and at the moment players can't be traded in the first place. Is a 30 something year old stop gap QB the answer (McNabb, for example)?

I'd rather draft Ingram and take my chances with a FA like Bulger for a year or two until there are better QBs to draft. Seriously, trades don't happen that often in the NFL anyway but there are options.http://www.footballsfuture.com/freeagents.html

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Will Miami make such a move? They are not shy about going after older, past prime players (Pennington, Ricky Williams, Kevin Curtis, Zach Thomas, Jason Taylor & Y Bell).

I don't really understand your examples. They drafted Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas and traded for Rickey during the prime of his career. Also Pennington turned a 1-15 team into a playoff team - it was injuries that did him in, not being "past his prime" (although I guess technically he was).

 

[Birdie048]

Will Miami make such a move? They are not shy about going after older, past prime players (Pennington, Ricky Williams, Kevin Curtis, Zach Thomas, Jason Taylor & Y Bell).

I don't really understand your examples. They drafted Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas and traded for Rickey during the prime of his career. Also Pennington turned a 1-15 team into a playoff team - it was injuries that did him in, not being "past his prime" (although I guess technically he was).

It was more a show of aged players on their roster. Taylor & Thomas both left town and returned again - the return is the example, not their initial appearance. They were starters in Miami in there 30's the past few years.

 

[HPD]

Or DWill. But yea, they will draft a RB first or second round, no doubt.

That's what my money is on. Then drafting a rookie in the 2nd/3rd to compliment D-Will. But we'll see...

This