Odds are strong with good reason that this will not happen with the first pick. But I stated last week I would make individual arguments for each of the top six collegiate players available to the Dolphins first overall pick in this year’s draft (RB McFadden, DE Chris Long, OT Jake Long, QB Ryan, and DTs Ellis and Dorsey).
McFadden is the first I am writing about for a three main reasons; Drafting the top QB or RB in a NFL draft is always a very exciting and sexy pick, to me it is easy and fun to make a case for it drafting McFadden as RBs can have a very strong first year impact, and yesterday the Dolphins lost depth at RB with allowing Chatman to Depart to division rival New York Jets.
Chatman amassed over 700 yards of offense last year in 11 games. The first four games after Browns season ending injury, Chatman averaged 102 total offensive yards per game, 87 yards rushing per game, and a 4.8 yards per rush attempt. These four games were against stout defenses; New England, NY Giants, Philadelphia, and Buffalo. Chatman is 28, 5’8” 223 lbs.
I think almost anyone with any understanding of the Dolphins realizes that running back is not the Dolphins biggest need; it can actually be debated the position is one of the deepest on the roster. But a couple of concerns I have make this position an area need almost as big as any on the roster.
Ronnie Browns was an absolute beast last year. The dude is a total stud and I have think he brings a very unique running style of power and speed and to the NFL game. I love his power, and truth be known, I have a hard time comparing Browns style to other current or past running backs in the NFL.
Year three would have been a pro bowl year for Brown had he not suffered a season ending ACL tear in his seventh game. Had Ronnie put in 15 or 16 games and the Dolphins put in a winning campaign, Brown may have been considered a MVP candidate. That’s how dominating he looked in the first seven games.
For example, in the last 10 drafts (1998-2007) the first overall running back selected in the draft each year is the following.
2007-Adrian Peterson-Minnesota
2006-Reggie Bush-New Orleans
2005-Ronnie Brown-Miami
2004-Steven Jackson-St Louis
2003-Willis Mcgahee-Buffalo
2002-William Green-Cleveland
2001-Ladainian Tomlinson-San Diego
2000-Jamal Lewis-Baltimore
1999-Edgerriin James-Indianapolis
1998-Fred Taylor-Jacksonville
Quite an impressive list, 9 out of 10 of these players have been difference makers on the field for several years( After removing William Green). The list gets even more impressive when you compare it to the list of RBs selected second in the same year draft. This list is also the most remarkable when you look at similar lists for Defensive Tackles, Defensive Ends, Quarterbacks, and Offensive Tackles(or all the other major needs this team has now) selected first at their positions. Another extraordinary comparison is looking at the second RB taken in each of these drafts, not even close to what the first or best RB brought to the franchise over a long period of time.
Being a very strong LSU Tiger college football fan and living in the heart of LSU and SEC football country, I have witnessed for the last three years firsthand the kind of runner McFadden can be in the NFL. He can return kicks, you can line him up as receiver and quarterback; he has been the runner up to the Heisman for the last two consecutive years for a reason.
NFL Network interviewed McFadden’s college football head coach on Saturday, Houston Nutt. Obviously this was going to be a very positive reference for McFadden, and Nutt said the guy could do everything short of parting the Red Sea. What stood out for me during the interview was listening to Nutt’s response when asked to compare McFadden to Adrian Peterson. Nutt knows more about McFadden but he did recruit Peterson so he knows the kid well enough. Nutt proclaims that McFadden has equal strength but much greater breakaway speed. This seems to be backed up by McFadden’s sub 4.28 speed in the 40 yard dash he ran unofficially at the combine. Officially he clocked a 4.33.
RONNIE BROWNs knock out of college was health issues and if he could carry the load full time. And so far Brown has done little to quell those concerns. Year one, he misses one game to injury, year two he misses 3 games, year three he misses half a season.
Now Brown trying to comeback from major reconstructive in less than a year’s time. He will not be Ronnie Brown of 2007 until 2009 or very late next year if he stays healthy. In my opinion, I do not think there is anyone in the league than runs harder than Brown WHEN healthy.
As far as Ricky Williams is concerned, his better years are behind him and he got hurt and knocked out for the year after like three carries in one game last year. This isn't even mentioning his off the field baggage. We would all be fools to trust this guy 100%. He is not on his second chance with Miami, this is like his third or fourth chance. I would not be shocked to see Parcells use this cancer as trade bait in April for a third or fourth rounder if its an option.
Yes on paper Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, and Booker appear to be a very deep and threatening backfield, all I am doing is reminding people that it’s not as black and white clear cut as you think.
Many IFs must occur for the current backfield to work for Miami…
1. IF Brown can stay healthy for the first time in his college and NFL Career.
2. IF Brown can return to his 2007 form
3. If Ricky can return to his form from 4 years ago,
4. IF Ricky can stay out of trouble for once in his life.
5. If Booker takes his game to the next level WHEN given a chance
These IFs are the very reason why Parcells WILL draft a running back at some point in this years draft. The draft is very deep at running back and Parcells will make sure he addresses the "Ifs."
Chatman was a hard runner and decent #2, so now the RB position is now less deep.
Most fans would question the pick of McFadden but at the same time many would consider this the most exciting made by the Dolphins in decades. Increased season tickets and an average of 6 points more of offense a game would also be positive fallouts from the pick.
McFadden will not become a Miami Dolphin this year via the draft, but it is not too hard of a stretch to legitimize the selection.
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