Miami Dolphins Running Backs Preview: Jerome Harrison Simply Makes Sense

I recently submitted an article on Terrelle Pryor and, yes, I believe he would be solid third-round (or later) supplemental pick for the Dolphins. However, his character issues bothered me. I want him in a Miami Dolphins uniform, but the fact that he ruined a program bothered me. 

Let me say I deeply appreciate the thoughtful readers who take their time throughout the day to submit their opinions and arguments. You're very insightful and passionate. You make this possible and I'm humbled that you would read my stuff. 

Thank you. You make this really fun. 

Let me also say that I'm learning how passionate fans are about the quarterback position in the NFL. I've made it clear that I want to see Vince Young and Chad Henne duel it out for the starting position. What most fans forget is that Tony Sparano is a run-first coach and what I have to present to you now is a fair assessment of what the Dolphins should an could do for this, and future seasons. 

I want to see Jerome Harrison in a Miami Dolphins uniform in 2011-2012. I want to see Jerome Harrison given the opportunity to see some real playing time. I think that he would fit the Miami Dolphins offense, paired with Daniel Thomas, quite well. 

In order to establish my argument I'm going to look at one piece of evidence, for now. That piece of evidence is yards per carry (YPC). Whether a running back is a third-down back or starter, the one piece of evidence that is vitally important is: how many yards does a back average when he has the ball? 

Jerome Harrison has been in the NFL since 2006. He has averaged under 4.0 YPC once. However, and this is important: he has averaged over 6.0 YPC for half of his career. Those are ridiculous numbers for someone who hasn't started a full season. 

In 2009 Jerome Harrison surprised the NFL like a flash flood. I was quick enough to add him to my fantasy football team. I made my opposition extremely frustrated with me because Harrison did not start for a full season that year. In 2008, '09 and '10 his longest runs were 50, 71 and 72 yards, respectively. He is a home run hitter when he has the ball, even in limited numbers. 

He has never averaged over 15 carries a game. This means his body is still fresh. 

Having Daniel Thomas and Jerome Harrison as a tandem makes a lot of sense considering the Fins' offensive strategy. Both running backs can be on the field as the same time, both are multi-dimensional backs. 

It's important to note that, while a back cannot be pushed into stardom as a one hit wonder, have you seen the highlights from Kansas City V. Cleveland game? Amazing. The awesome part is that he continued to unleash his talent on the NFL for the rest of the season. Oh, not solely by running the ball, but as a receiver also. 

In Cleveland he was pushed out by Peyton Hillis and, in Philadelphia, he was caught up in a logjam of good backs. Yet he still contributed to his team, serving as a home-run back (busting out for a 50-yard touchdown run when given an opportunity). 

Jerome Harrison reminds me a lot of Priest Holmes, which is why he needs to be wearing a Miami Dolphins uniform. The Cleveland Browns would run Harrison behind Joe Thomas, a great left tackle. If Harrison were a Dolphin, he would run behind Jake Long. It just makes sense. 

I think Jerome Harrison has shown that he can be a significant contributor. I just hope that Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland see the same.