Are we to believe that the great Don Shula didn't see the need for a great running back or, couldn't find one?
I slightly prefer Etienne but yeah, either one transforms this offense. I think the folks saying "Don't take a back unless this or that..." have no idea who these players are or how much they stand out versus typical running backs.
In all honesty you can count me in that group, I think you can find serviceable running backs all over the draft and I am very wary of drafting a RB high because they don't age well in general any longer. Very few seem worth signing past their rookie deal. That said I really do believe either one of those guys are special and I would spend a high pick on them. My preference for Harris is due in no small part to his size. I think that would help him deal with the punishment in the NFL. Etienne is 5.10 at 205 and Harris checks in at 6.2 230. I see that as a huge advantage.
Shula drafted 2 running backs in the first round that I recall off the top of my head, Lorenzo Hampton and Sammie Smith. Both ended up being busts but the fact Shula went after 2 first round running back selections tells you how vital and important that position was to him. On a side note, we could have drafted an undersized running back from Florida but we had just drafted Smith the year prior. As a result, Emmitt Smith ended up going to the Cowboys in the 2nd round.
I like how we play as a team on all 3 sides. It was evident again yesterday, there is no "I" in team and that's how our guys play on the field. Loved the fake punt with Fjeldalem (however you write his name) and our Kicker plus our Punter/Specialteams"QB", love how our D locks down as soon as the other team comes into our redzone, although a few more 3 and outs would be nice but there is still next year, love how the offense moves the ball even though we have all those injuries on offense and no real weapons besides Gesicki + how Tua and Fitz handle their business and support each other and not crying about getting pulled or substituted. This really is a team like I have seen no other Dolphins team in my Dolphin history and I can't wait till next year or next week, thank you coach Flo!!!