Fantasy implications of Dolphins drafting RB Gerrid Doaks with No. 244 pick

After a free-agency period in which the Miami Dolphins missed out on several big-name running backs, the team seemed poised to add to their backfield during the 2021 NFL Draft. The Dolphins eventually did, selecting Cincinnati’s Gerrid Doaks with the No. 244 overall pick.

During his three seasons playing for the Bearcats, Doaks twice led the team in rushing. In 2020, he recorded 144 carries for 673 yards and seven touchdowns (4.7 per attempt). Doaks added another 202 yards and two scores as a receiver, giving him a team-leading 875 yards from scrimmage. That figure towered over the second-highest total on the team (quarterback Desmond Ridder’s 592 yards as a runner).

Fantasy impact

Rookie

Other than Doaks, the Dolphins did not add anyone to their offensive backfield. While that benefits him, the team still has Myles Gaskin, Malcolm Brown, and Salvon Ahmed ahead of Doaks on the depth chart with Patrick Laird also looming. Even if none of those backs has a firm hold on a role, it doesn’t appear Doaks will have an easy path toward regular playing time this season.

Long-term

Like the other backs in Miami’s rotation, Doaks has NFL size but lacks any exceptional skill. Doaks’ capability as a receiver could open the door to playing time down the line, especially if injuries reduce the crowd ahead of him. Still, at some point the Dolphins figure to invest more significant resources into the position, limiting Doaks’ upside.