NFL insider confirms suspicion regarding Miami Dolphins' plan for late-round draft pick
The Miami Dolphins have been viewed by most around the league as a finesse team under Mike McDaniel – and rightly so, since that's exactly what they've been during his tenure. But what they've had to line up and play power football, fight their way against a solid defensive front, etc., they've largely failed. With […]
The Miami Dolphins have been viewed by most around the league as a finesse team under Mike McDaniel – and rightly so, since that's exactly what they've been during his tenure.
But what they've had to line up and play power football, fight their way against a solid defensive front, etc., they've largely failed. With both lines of scrimmage in shambles, general manager Chris Grier took a more serious approach about getting more physical in this draft, adding four total linemen (3 defensive, 1 offensive).
However, the Dolphins also made a late round selection that seemed to fit that "tougher" mantra with the pick of Oklahoma RB Ollie Gordon II in the sixth round. Per ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, that's how the team viewed him as well – someone who can add a power element to their running game.
Here's what Fowler had to say about Gordon:
Among Day 3 sleepers, Miami is confident that fifth-round safety Dante Trader Jr. will play early due to instincts and versatility. And, with sixth-round running back Ollie Gordon II, Miami sought a different body type at 6-foot-1, 226 pounds, a bruiser to complement De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright. – Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Indeed, Gordon brings an element of pop to the running game, which Miami had, but let go last year with Chris Brooks. Now, they add someone who they can turn to in short yardage situations, a legitimate issue last season with their roster makeup.
But Gordon isn't just a blunt instrument with little more. He was college football's leading rusher in 2023 with 1732 yards and a 6.1 yards per carry mark. He also turned in 68 catches for 509 yards over the last two years. His feet and vision for a man of his size impressed Fox Sports analyst Brian Baldinger:
Miami won't deviant too much from making Achane their lead back. His speed, quickness, and big play ability fit McDaniel's offense to a T. But there's no doubt the Dolphins need to play a more physical brand of football, and as such, Gordon should indeed have a complimentary role in the offense this fall.
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