The Dolphins are reportedly quite interested in the running back from Michigan State.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches and the Miami Dolphins continue to search for ways to enhance their roster, recent reports have surfaced suggesting that the team is particularly interested in a running back from Michigan State. The Dolphins, who have made significant strides in recent seasons under head coach Mike McDaniel, are looking to solidify a running game that has been inconsistent at times. The addition of a dynamic running back could be the final piece that propels Miami into serious Super Bowl contention, and the Michigan State standout may just be the answer they are seeking.
The Dolphins’ Current Backfield Situation
The Miami Dolphins’ offense has been largely defined by its explosive passing attack, thanks to the arm of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the electric playmaking ability of wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, despite their offensive prowess, the running back position has remained somewhat of a question mark. Raheem Mostert, a veteran with blazing speed, has flashed potential but has been hampered by injuries throughout his career. Jeff Wilson Jr. has shown brief moments of promise, but like Mostert, his ability to stay on the field consistently has been a concern.
Behind these veterans, younger options like Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin have had opportunities but have struggled to secure a starting role or make a lasting impact. In short, while Miami has a committee approach in place, they have yet to find a true bell-cow back who can consistently move the chains, balance the offense, and keep defenses honest.
This lack of consistency in the backfield could be the very reason why the Dolphins are reportedly interested in a running back from Michigan State, a player who could bring the explosiveness, vision, and playmaking ability that Miami desperately needs.
The Michigan State Running Back: A Closer Look
The running back that has captured the attention of Dolphins’ scouts is an exciting prospect from Michigan State, a player whose college career has been nothing short of impressive. Known for his vision, elusiveness, and power, this running back possesses the traits that NFL teams covet in today’s fast-paced, multi-dimensional offenses.
College Career and Key Strengths
Over the course of his college career at Michigan State, the running back racked up impressive numbers. His blend of speed and power has allowed him to break off long runs and gain tough yards in between the tackles. He averaged a solid yards-per-carry rate, showcasing his ability to hit holes quickly and accelerate to the second level. His performances in some of the most challenging games of his college career, including matchups against top-tier Big Ten defenses, have cemented his reputation as one of the most complete running backs in the 2025 draft class.
What sets him apart from many other prospects is his pass-catching ability. While traditional running backs often specialize in one area, this player’s versatility as both a rusher and a receiver makes him a dynamic weapon in the open field. His ability to line up in the slot, catch swing passes, and create after the catch gives him an added dimension that could perfectly complement Miami’s pass-heavy offense.
Another standout trait is his toughness and ability to break tackles. He possesses excellent contact balance and routinely fights for extra yards after initial contact. In an NFL where running backs are often tasked with moving the chains on short-yardage plays, this ability to gain yards after contact is invaluable.
Notable Games and Performances
The running back’s performances in high-stakes games have made him a focal point for scouts. He delivered several game-changing plays against elite competition, including a remarkable 200-yard performance in a rivalry game against a top-ranked opponent. In that game, he displayed both power and vision, repeatedly evading tacklers and making crucial gains for his team. This type of performance in high-pressure situations is exactly what NFL teams look for in a player who can perform when the stakes are highest.
Why the Dolphins Are Interested
The Miami Dolphins are one of the most exciting teams in the NFL right now, boasting a high-powered offense that, if balanced with a strong running game, could make them a legitimate Super Bowl contender. However, their inability to consistently run the ball has at times held them back from truly reaching their offensive potential.
Head coach Mike McDaniel, known for his innovative schemes and use of motion to create mismatches, has built a system that thrives on speed and versatility. This running back from Michigan State is a perfect fit for McDaniel’s offense, which relies on zone-blocking schemes and the ability to attack defenses both through the air and on the ground. With his speed, agility, and pass-catching skills, he could excel in the Dolphins’ system, which would allow him to exploit the space created by Miami’s high-flying passing attack.
Additionally, the Dolphins’ offensive line has steadily improved, and a powerful, fast, and agile running back would further benefit from the protection and open lanes they can provide. This Michigan State product has the skill set to maximize these opportunities, providing Miami with a weapon they can utilize both in the running game and in the passing game.
The addition of a player with such versatility would give the Dolphins a much-needed balance, one that could make their offense nearly impossible to stop. Imagine defenses trying to figure out how to defend against the quick-hitting, high-octane passing attack of Tagovailoa, Hill, and Waddle, only to have to account for a powerful and dynamic running back who can also catch passes out of the backfield.
What the Dolphins Could Offer
For the Michigan State running back, Miami represents a golden opportunity to play in an offense that is built to showcase his talents. While many NFL teams are in search of a workhorse running back, the Dolphins offer a perfect blend of offensive structure and flexibility that could maximize his potential.
Miami could offer him the chance to come in and immediately contribute. With Mostert and Wilson aging and struggling to remain healthy, there is a real possibility that the Michigan State running back could quickly carve out a starting role and become a focal point in the Dolphins’ offense.
The Dolphins have also shown a commitment to building a dynamic, explosive team, making a move for this running back part of their larger strategy to take the next step in the AFC East and beyond.
Challenges and Potential Risks
Of course, no acquisition comes without risks. While the Michigan State running back has the physical tools to succeed in the NFL, the transition from college to the pros is always a challenge. The speed and physicality of the NFL are on a different level, and not every college star is able to make the leap to the professional ranks.
Additionally, while this running back’s vision and ball security are excellent, he will still need to prove that he can handle the grind of an NFL season. Injuries are a concern for any running back, and Miami will likely have to manage his workload carefully to avoid the type of wear-and-tear that often plagues running backs.
A Bright Future for the Dolphins?
As the Miami Dolphins look to further solidify their offense, the reported interest in the Michigan State running back makes perfect sense. His ability to run, catch passes, and break tackles aligns perfectly with the offensive identity that Mike McDaniel is trying to build in Miami. The Dolphins are an exciting team on the rise, and this addition could take their offense to new heights, making them a more complete and balanced team.
If the Dolphins pull the trigger on this move, they could be adding a future star to their roster, one who might be able to lead them to a Super Bowl title in the coming years. With a dynamic offense already in place, the addition of a true feature back could be the missing piece to make Miami a serious contender in the NFL for years to come.