NFL Draft 2011: Miami Dolphins Looking Past Mark Ingram

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NFL Draft 2011 Miami Dolphins Searching for New Running Back Targets

All along Alabama’s Mark Ingram seemed like the perfect replacement for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams in the Miami backfield.

“Miami is also keeping attention on Alabama running back Mark Ingram and could end up using its first-round selection on him. Ingram had an impressive workout at Alabama's campus Monday for a large Dolphins contingent; the New York Giants and New England Patriots are also monitoring Ingram closely,” states Jason La Canfora, NFL Network Insider.

After a subpar combine and a growing concern with potential knee issues, the Dolphins may not be the ones to pony up for the clear-cut top running back in the draft with the No. 15 overall selection.

Even if the Dolphins do not trade down, which they are trying to do to acquire more picks, they may just outright pass on Ingram.

Which players could be on the Dolphins’ radar then?

My clear cut No. 2 running back in the draft is Illinois’ Mikel LeShoure. He has the potential to finish his career as the best running back in this year’s class. He has excellent, speed and vision, as well as power. He also has great balance and quickness to get to the outside. LeShoure displays great patience waiting for his blockers to create lanes. He would be the perfect consolation prize for the Dolphins.

It would be difficult for the Dolphins to grab LeShoure since they do not have a second-round selection.

Yet have no fear Miami fans, for the Dolphins can still find quality value later in the draft at the running back position while filling other voids early.

“Check out Maryland running back Da'Rel Scott. He's 5-11 and 211 pounds. His stats at Maryland as a junior were good but not great. He gained 708 yards. He's projected to be a 5th or 6th round pick. But this personnel man really likes Scott. Says he had very nice quickness to go with his 4.4 speed. And, of course, he gets square quickly,” states Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero.

If the Dolphins should to find somebody a bit earlier to guarantee better production, Kansas State’s Daniel Thomas would offer the Dolphins fine speed and great power. He has very good balance and footwork for a 230 pound back. He also displayed very good vision at K-State and the ability to cut back in front of defenders to make them miss. As he continues to bulk up, he will become a vicious force in the NFL behind Miami’s great run blocking offensive line.

At this point heading into the draft, Thomas should be one of the top three running backs for the Dolphins to select. He would offer fantastic value for Miami as he would be able to start immediately and become an instant fan favorite.

Check out the latest NFL Draft 2011 rumors, news and predictions for the Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots and New York Jets.

As always, for all of the best NFL Draft 2011 information for all 32 NFL teams, check out Bleacher Report’s dedicated draft section!

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