The Miami Dolphins had one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL during the 2022 season. They ranked 11th overall in points scored and sixth in yardage gained. What made those numbers so impressive was the fact that Miami accomplished it without much of a run game.
The Dolphins were 31st in rushing attempts in 2022 despite head coach Mike McDaniel’s background being in the running game. They were 25th in yards gained and it is something that should be addressed this summer heading into the 2023 season.
Taking pressure off of Tua Tagovailoa and the passing game would be a good idea. If the Dolphins can get the run game going more consistently, it should save Tagovailoa from absorbing some hits. Keeping him healthy after some scary head injuries last season should be Miami’s No. 1 goal.
Alas, nothing has changed about the running back position this offseason. The Dolphins re-signed Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin, the same group that led the backfield in 2022. That is something that should change during the 2023 NFL Draft.
Miami could target a running back with one of their selections, adding some explosiveness to the group. Or, they could use some of their draft capital to bring in an established veteran, such as Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans.
Henry was suggested as a trade target for the Dolphins over at Bleacher Report as a hypothetical trade that would shake up the offseason. Acquiring the former All-Pro would be a huge boost to the Miami offense as he has proven more than capable of carrying an offense.
What could a trade between the Dolphins and Titans look like? Staring down a rebuild, Tennessee would be looking for draft capital in return. A suggested package would be Miami trading a third and sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, No. 51 and 197 overall, along with a 2024 third-round pick in exchange for Henry.
Pushing some of the capital into 2024 is necessary for the Dolphins, who have already traded away multiple picks. Last year they used some to acquire Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs and Bradley Chubb from the Denver Broncos. This offseason, Jalen Ramsey was acquired from the Los Angeles Rams.
Landing Henry would be the cherry on top of this offseason for Miami, which has spent most of its time upgrading the defense. With a running back of that caliber in the mix, the Dolphins would be legitimate Super Bowl contenders as long as the defense makes the strides they are capable of.
