NFL Draft 2011: Five Reasons the Miami Dolphins Should Not Draft Mark Ingram

By now it is well known that many experts are predicting in their mock drafts that the Miami Dolphins will take Alabama running back Mark Ingram with the 15th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Some people are so convinced the Dolphins will take him that Ingram reported on his Twitter account on April 9th that one fan had him sign a Dolphins helmet.

With Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams unlikely to both return the Dolphins will almost undoubtedly draft a running back in the upcoming draft. But, I don't think the Dolphins should draft Ingram. In fact, I can think of five reasons they shouldn't.

I guess "reasons" is a little deceptive. What I can think of are five players who the Dolphins could take in later rounds who would give them the same thing Ingram would. If the Dolphins pass on a running back in the first round, at least one of these guys will be there for them to take.

5. Round 5- Pick 146- Jamie Harper

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Jamie Harper #8 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Harper is without a doubt a gamble, but a gamble that could payoff.

At Clemson in 2010 Harper rushed for 726 yards and seven touchdowns in 2010. Additionally he had 35 receptions for 328 yards and three touchdowns.

Harper is an early entrant to the NFL draft and his college resume isn't as long as most teams would like. He needs more work with blocking in order to play significant time with an NFL team. He has great potential upside but the Dolphins may not have the time to wait for him.  

4. Round 3- Pick 79- Daniel Thomas

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BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 20: Daniel Thomas #8 of the Kansas State Wildcats rushes with the ball against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on November 20, 2010 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Kansas State 44-36. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty

Thomas is a running back that is very similar to Ronnie Brown. 

He isn't know for his speed or elusiveness, but he's not afraid to try and run right over someone. Some big pluses that come with Thomas are that he is a good blocker, with great upside, and a good receiver out of the backfield.

At his Pro Day Thomas ran a 4.6 40-yard dash and cemented his status as a second or third round pick. In 2010 Thomas rushed for 1,585 yards and 19 touchdowns as a member of the Kansas State Wildcats. 

3. Round 4- Pick 111- Roy Helu Jr.

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Roy Helu Jr. #10 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers runs past Liloa Nobriga #48 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half of their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Colorado 45-

Roy Helu Jr. is a risk for the Dolphins. He's a risk because the Dolphins can't count on him being there in fourth round, which means if they're interested in him they may have to consider using their third round pick on him.

Helu surprised just about everyone when he ran 4.4 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. That time, combined with the elusiveness he showed at Nebraska, has made him a riser in many draft predictions.

While at Nebraska in 2010 Helu led the team in rushing with 1,245 yards despite being part of a three man rushing attack that included Taylor Martinez and Rex Burkhead. That included a 307 yard performance against Missouri that set a school record.

2. Round 3- Pick 79- Shane Vereen

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Shane Vereen #34 of the California Golden Bears in action against the Stanford Cardinal at California Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

It's a toss up whether Shane Vereen will be there for the Dolphins to pick with the 79th pick of the draft.

Chances are he will be, and the Dolphins would love that.

Vereen is a guy who averaged over five yards a carry in both 2009 and 2010. At the combine he ran a 4.49 40-yard dash which helped demonstrate how he rushed for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2010.

Vereen would have additional appeal to the Dolphins as a kick returner.  

1. Round 3- Pick 79- DeMarco Murray

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 01: DeMarco Murray #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs the football to score a touchdown in the first quarter against the Connecticut Huskies during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January 1, 2011 in G

If DeMarco Murray is there when the Dolphins draft in the third round, they will be counting their blessings. 

In 2010 Murray helped lead a high powered Oklahoma offense by rushing for 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns. Murray was very impressive in pre-draft workouts, running a sub 4.4 40-yard dash.

Murray's speed, athleticism and strength will make him an asset to whatever NFL team drafts him. If the Dolphins pass on a running back in the first round Murray should become their main target for their third round pick.

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