NFL Free Agency 2011: Five Free Agent Running Backs for the Miami Dolphins

The Green Bay Packers won the 2011 Super Bowl on the strength of Aaron Rodgers' arm. The Packers thrived on a pass-first offense, which played to the weaknesses of current NFL rules regarding how a defensive back can play the receiver. 

Miami Dolphins coach Tony Sparano has instead opted to play to his coaching philosophy of utilizing the running game. 

He tried to use Chad Henne last season in an open offense that focused on the passing game, but it was obvious most of the offensive personnel looked like fish out of water (ha!). 

The Miami Dolphins have proven they are a strong, playoff-caliber team when they can run the ball in a balanced system, keeping the defense on their toes by guessing what's coming. 

With that being said, the Dolphins are going to need more firepower in the backfield. 

Based on how the Dolphins draft, you can see a pattern and style of running back they like to field:

1. Thick (220-230 lbs range)

2. Catches well out of the backfield

3. Plays all three downs

While there is no clear equation for the success of a running back, it is clear the Dolphins like 'em to look a certain way. I will deviate from this equation for the most part because of the front office's current reality. Reality is that the Dolphins need more veteran weapons on offense and a multipurpose back like Darren Sproles (even though he's not one of my top five guys). 

These are the top five candidates to fill that 1a or 1b starter role, assuming newly-drafted Daniel Thomas is that 1a or 1b option. 

Jerious Norwood

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 19: Jerious Norwood #32 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Arizona Cardinals at Georgia Dome on September 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

At 5' 11" and 209 lbs., Norwood has a 5.3 YPC average, but lost his work to Michael Turner in the running game. 

This will be one of several running backs who do not fit the typical mold for the Miami Dolphins' backfield. But I feel Norwood will fit a spot in the offensive system very, very well to contribute to the success of the team.

He brings more to the table than Patrick Cobbs. Only an injury stopped Norwood's participation in the 2010 campaign with the Atlanta Falcons. He has experience in returning kicks, he runs the ball well and definitely catches out of the backfield.

Norwood would be worth adding as either a second or third option, as he can bring enough to the table for the Dolphins' offense.  

Since the Falcons just added Jacquizz Rodgers, Norwood is now expendable. 

Jerome Harrison

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT - AUGUST 28: Jerome Harrison #35 of the Cleveland Browns tries to escape the tackle of Dre Bly #32 of the Detroit Lions during preseason game on August 28, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

I'm actually a big fan of Jerome Harrison.

He has had a high YPC average throughout his entire career, and he had somewhat of a breakout year in 2009. Even though he started only seven games, he ran for 862 yards, five touchdowns and proved he can catch and score as a receiver.

The rise of Peyton Hillis made Harrison expendable though. 

Harrison was not a great fit in Philadelphia because they already had LeSean McCoy, not to mention the West Coast offense was not a good fit either. 

The tandem of Harrison and Daniels would make great sense, as both are athletic and diverse in their skills. He was less than a part-time back in Philly, so Miami has to give Harrison a chance. He's shown nothing but ability wherever he's gone. 

Harrison has also proven he can be a feature back, breaking Jim Brown's Cleveland Browns record of yards in a game.  He needs an opportunity to be in a system that loves running backs, and coach Brian Daboll is a former Browns Coach. This may be a match. 

This is the direction I hope the Dolphins lean toward. Harrison has less miles on his legs and the best resume. 

Jason Snelling

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Jason Snelling #44 of the Atlanta Falcons against the Carolina Panthers at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Every time Jason Snelling relieved Michael Turner, good things just seemed to happen. 

This guy was everywhere: rushing, blocking, special teams and receiving. He seems to fit the style of game the Dolphins want to play and the ability to do so.

He just needs an opportunity. 

It would be a surprise if Atlanta doesn't re-sign him because he does so much for them. The Dolphins also love these kinds of players. Adding a running back like Snelling would be like adding a more mature, developed Lex Hilliard. 

There is definitely a market for Snelling, so it would be awesome to see him in a Miami Dolphins uniform next season. 

DeAngelo Williams

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 03: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers in action during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on October 3, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Dolphins fans were ecstatic when they learned Williams would love to come to Miami. 

Williams is used to sharing the backfield, which is exactly what Tony Sparano would do with him in Miami. 

Right now there are rumors flying that Miami is interested, but this will all be for naught if the new CBA doesn't allow him an unrestricted free agent tag. 

So all of this talk is purely up in the air. It's a good rumor that creates interest in the team and keeps the fans talking. But the love-fest is all speculative until this dang CBA junk is resolved.

DeAngelo Williams' talent is undeniable. Seriously.

He would make a perfect partner for Daniel Thomas. Williams runs in between the tackles, but seems to prefer the outside, where he has the speed and ability to break tackles. With good field vision, Williams also thrives on the draw play.

I know Dolphins fans are really rooting for this acquisition. It seems like Williams is hoping for the same. 

Ricky Williams

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - AUGUST 21: Ricky Williams #34 of the Miami Dolphins runs for yardage during the preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on August 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

I don't believe Ricky Williams is done being a Dolphin yet. 

I think he's got enough in the tank to make the Miami Dolphins successful. I don't think last year was his fault either; the rotating door at guard and center had more to do with that. 

I also think Ricky Williams and Daniel Thomas is a great match. 

Ricky still has the ability, as he continued to show he was more than capable last season. Most of us had no idea why he didn't play more, which was really frustrating. 

Williams is more durable and more powerful. Thomas can continue to run the Wildcat, and Williams can be the slot back. 

No matter what Ricky says, he should come back, at least to be the starter until Thomas is more capable. Yes, this is a homer of a decision, but very strategic at the same time.

Ricky Williams should be a 'fin in 2011.