2011 NFL Draft: Will Miami Dolphins Address Running Back Situation?

To draft Mark Ingram or not to draft Mark Ingram? A running back in the first round or second round or third? Free agent or rookie?

The idea of who the Dolphins are going to sign or draft has been overplayed at this point. The Dolphins' brass have done a good job of simply going about their business quietly. I've enjoyed that quality about Ireland and Sparano (and Parcells).

When everyone started with their mock drafts, it was hard to identify just one mock draft that did not pinpoint Mark Ingram as their guy. And now, some mock drafts are picking other rookies because they seem to be tired of the Mark Ingram conversation.

Well, so am I—simply because I don't think he's the best fit for what the Dolphins want to accomplish on offense.

Coach Sparano is quoted in the Sun Sentinel as saying, "We’re going to continue to run the football because that’s my nature. That might not be popular with everybody, but that’s what I like to do. So we’re going to continue to run the football."

This is the one clue we have about how the Dolphins are approaching this draft—they must address running the football.

So is Mark Ingram a candidate? Maybe and maybe not.

Who is? We don't know and guessing is the fun part; this is the beauty of the draft. The front office has left us to our imagination to predict who will take the rock for the Dolphins this fall.

We only have one clue to build this argument.

The running game is the most important aspect of the Dolphins' game plan; it's in Coach Sparano's natural bent. Unfortunately, the most important aspect of the Dolphins' game tanked last season.

So, as much as I love the idea of a rookie quarterback, investing another high pick in a quarterback makes very little sense to me unless it was Andrew Luck.

I predict this draft to be the one of offensive linemen and running backs for the Dolphins. Why? "Because that's just my nature," according to Sparano. He wants a creative blend of running backs to carry the load. That's why Mikel LeShoure and Jacquizz Rodgers make so much sense to me.

Do you believe that Lex Hilliard and Kory Sheets can carry the load? I've always been impressed by Lex Hilliard. I lived in Montana for several years; watching him was impressive (especially when he played in adverse conditions). I think he deserves a shot to at least be ONE of the guys. At 5'11" and 240 pounds, he really needs a shot.

One thing I hope is that Sparano and Ireland bring Ricky Williams back. I can't see that happening; we just won't know until the players return to work.

Because of work stoppage, a free-agency period will not happen. This leaves the Dolphins to look to the draft. Fortunately, there are plenty of running backs who bring a creative blend of talent to the table.

The one issue is that unless there is growth at the running back position, it may stunt the growth of the offense because of Sparano's love of running the rock.

Which leave the questions, "Who will the Dolphins take?" And "Who do YOU want?"