The Miami Dolphins are doing their best to meet the raised expectations on the roster this season. After inking Ryan Tannehill to a new contract that locks him in for the foreseeable future, the Dolphins did their best to surround the quarterback with plenty of talent. Part of that talent pool is rookie running back Jay Ajayi who was listed as a potential steal in the NFL Draft, but is having some rookie struggles that are holding him back early.
After no re-signing Knowshon Moreno in free agency, the Dolphins drafted Ajayi to help the running back tandem while Lamar Miller returns healthy. The Dolphins need Ajayi to be a complete back and succeed in running, receiving and pass protecting. With injuries to DeVante Freeman and Kenny Stills, having a versatile running back will be critical for the Dolphins. He is currently battling LaMichael James and Damien Williams for the backup job to Miller and the most versatile player will win the race. If Ajayi cannot be that back, he will not play.
"There are things we like about (Ajayi), but if he can't pass protect, he will never be active," VP of football operations Mike Tannenbaum said, via the Miami Herald. "I don't care how talented he is between the tackles. If Jay Ajayi can't pass protect, he won't be active."
Protecting Tannehill has been an issue thus far in training camp. The offensive line was already being seen as a weakness for the team and that is being proven true with the quarterback on the ground more than standing upright. Injuries have been an issue as several players continue to rotate in and out of the guard spots. While Tannehill told the media that he feels safe, there is clearly some doubt rising.
"I'm not sure who's going to end up being in those spots, but those guys are competing and they're facing one of the best, if not the best, D-tackles in the league," said Tannehill, via the Palm Beach Post. "So it's not always going to be pretty, no matter who's up there. You could have an All-Pro guy going against [Ndamukong] Suh and it's going to be a battle. I don't expect those guys to be able to lock Suh down each and every play, but they're competing and getting better. That's what you want to see."
According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins remain interested in Evan Mathis who is a Pro Bowler sitting on the free agent market. Jake Long is also an option. Both players have seen their names tossed around as several teams would be wise to sign one of them. However, they both remain without a contract as injuries will likely push a deal forward.
