2. Kenneth Walker III – Running Back – Michigan State
Speaking of the running game, Miami’s lead rusher in 2021 averaged a measly 3.5 yards per carry and only three touchdowns. Myles Gaskin has proven to be a serviceable but unspectacular lead back. The Dolphins also found a spark in late-season addition Duke Johnson.
The former Browns’ and Texans’ rusher put together two 100-yard games in the final five games of the season and showed a glimpse of what made him a once-promising young draft pick. Duke may have earned another shot next season, but he and Gaskin will likely face some competition via free agency or the 2022 NFL Draft. One of those possibilities is Michigan State bruiser Kenneth Walker III.
Walker III burst onto the 2021 scene with 493 yards and five rushing scores in his first three games, including a 172-yard explosion in Miami against Johnson’s former Hurricanes. The explosive junior RB finished with eight games of 100 yards or more en route to 1,636 total rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
While he doesn’t add much to the passing game, Walker would add a much-needed spark as the early-down runner in the Dolphins’ backfield in 2022. He’s the unquestioned top back in this class and could sneak into the back end of Round 1.