How do the Dolphins address the RB situation next season?

[Dave Gray]

I think "injury prone" is thrown around too much.  A sample set of 2 injuries really isn't enough to go on.  It's definitely a concern for us.  It's all about money with Brown.  I think that it's in Brown's interest to stay in Miami, because we've crafted an entire offense to run around him as a featured player.  But, he's also been hurt twice, and its cost our team.  If he's willing to play for reasonable money, I think we should keep him, but if he's going to demand the salary of an elite player, I think we have to let him test the market.

As for Ricky, he's part of a 1-2 punch, but can't do it alone, and only has one year left.  As for Cobbs, I love the player, but don't think he's an every down back, either.  Polite is a fullback, nothing more.  His run-style just doesn't lend itself to being a halfback.

In short, we keep Ronnie if it makes financial sense.  I'd make it a priority.  Otherwise, I think you're going to have to spend a pretty high draft pick on a RB.

[ethurst22]

I guess Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes aren't big name WR's anymore?

I understand what you're saying but you need SOME talent to be successful.  You can't put Dave Gray at RB behind the best O-line in NFL history and expect him to run for 100 yards.

And Lou Polite is a fullback.  He's not a tailback, not a runner, he's good for the tough inside run of 1-3 yards, but he's not fast and he's not shifty.  He's a power back, and that's why he's good at what he does.

Dave told me that you could trust him with the rock! He'll get you six yards every time.

[ethurst22]

Dolphins do need to draft a couple of running backs.

Ricky is only good for 10-12 carries a game...max. At times, he looks real slow and he takes too many chest shots. I'm disappointed with Lex Hilliard. Seems like he runs with his eyes closed. I don't think that Cobbs or Hilliard will be here next year.

I've always compared Ronnie Brown to Michael Westbrook, the do-it-all back for the Eagles. He has an amazing skill set and somewhere along the way, he lost his fifth gear because he sure had it in college. Brown will be here next year but at a reduced price. It would be great if he could finish his career as a Dolphin.

[MaineDolFan]

1,000 yard RBs that average 4.0+ ypc = a dime a dozen.

I am not worried about locating a person that can do this.

With rare exception = RB is the most easily recycled position in football.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

If the NFL does not reach an agreement with the players union and 2010 ends up being uncapped, Ronnie Brown will have an extra year tacked onto his contract from what I've read. 

[Philly Fin Fan]

Before people start talking about taking a RB early (1st, 2nd rounds)- remember that Parcells (and I guess by association Ireland) don't like to take RB's high, and feel you can get a good RB in later rounds.. They got more value out of Marion Barber than Julius Jones (Julius Jones was a 2nd rounder, Marion Barber was a 4th rounder).

And someone said draft 2 RB's- that would mean in a matter of 3 draft classes, Ireland would've drafted 4 RB's. Of the two he drafted so far, only 1 has gotten minimal play....

[BigDaddyFin]

The problem isn't so much who will replace Ronnie.  the problem is who runs the Wildcat like Ronnie.  I don't know that Pat White fills those shoes well, Ricky can't run it.  Can Cobbs?

I think if you replace Ricky with Cobbs (assuming Ricky's retirement), you probably don't lose that much on a play by play basis.  So you'd have to get a back who can fill Ronnie's shoes in that capacity.

Injury prone is thrown around loosely, and I wonder if Ronnie had decent blockers the first part of his career and wasn't around for 2007 would we be having this discussion?

[Brian Fein]

ethurst - I assume you mean Brian Westbrook, not Michael Westbrook, former Redskins' WR and MMA fighter.

From hearing Sparano talk to us about Cobbs, I have no doubt that he'll be back next season.  NO DOUBT.  Hilliard might as well, as his contributions in Ronnie's absence and on special teams should be enough, unless they draft some young stud.

[Sunstroke]

The problem isn't so much who will replace Ronnie.  the problem is who runs the Wildcat like Ronnie.  I don't know that Pat White fills those shoes well, Ricky can't run it.  Can Cobbs?

As Henne develops, I really see Miami paring down the amount of times they run the Wildcat significantly. It will still stay in the system, but if Ronnie leaves, I can see us moving away from it.

[Brian Fein]

Agree with Stroke - you've noticed in recent weeks since Ronnie is gone, the Wildcat has been 2-3 plays per game, not 2-3 plays per series, and the offense has been decent still.  Only difference is, now, our QB is throwing the ball 40+ times a game.

[CF DolFan]

Personally I think it's too soon to decide on what to do next year on the RB but this whole conversation reminded me of something. How many times have people declared RB "X" to be the next big thing in Maimi? Cobbs and Hilliard were just the latest in a long line. It takes a special back to do consistantly what Ricky/Ronnie does.

[jtex316]

Brian: Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward are absolutely NOT elite-caliber WRs, I am sorry. Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss, Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson are elite level skill players right now in the NFL. There is no way in hell Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward belong in that category or have ever belonged in that category in 2005.

You don't need an elite-level WR or RB to win in this league. It helps and it's nice and you can win easier, but it is not required. The Dolphins should let Brown go and get some free-agent back or some rookie from the draft. Keep Polite for that "change of pace" and there you go.

[Brian Fein]

Do you really consider either Ricky or Ronnie to be "elite" now then?  I don't understand your point.  I'd say WATEVER you classify Ward/Holmes as, you could classify Ricky/Ronnie as also.

[fyo]

Ronnie and Ricky ARE elite running backs. They should be *involved* in any top-5 discussion, although clearly neither is 1 or 2 right now.

[Tepop84]

Ronnie and Ricky ARE elite running backs. They should be *involved* in any top-5 discussion, although clearly neither is 1 or 2 right now.

No they shouldn't.  Ricky is good, but not elite anymore.  Ronnie has never been elite.