Miami Dolphins Draft Prospect Profile: Jay Ajayi

By Ryan Ratty | May 7, 2015

Jay Ajayi has all of the tools and ability to be the Miami Dolphins’ bell-cow type of running back for many years. That is if he can stay healthy.

There may not be a bigger boom-or-bust type of prospect from the 2015 NFL Draft than Jay Ajayi. Fortunately for the Miami Dolphins, the decision to draft Ajayi may not be seen as a bust if he doesn’t pan out in the NFL. In the fifth round, the Dolphins really just took a flier on Ajayi, knowing that he may not be available after their draft position.

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At first glance, the Dolphins appear to have their running back position set in place for the 2015 season. Lamar Miller is coming off a career season, and Damien Williams and LaMichael James provide good depth to the position. Despite this notion, adding a running back, especially the quality of one in Ajayi, makes sense, as the Dolphins could run, no pun intended, into trouble in the 2016 season.

After the 2015 season, Miller will see his contract end, and although he has improved each season in Miami, it really makes no sense to keep him around, as he’s expendable and the Dolphins have a future stud in Ajayi. Williams and James are good change-of-pace options, but neither has the ability or talent to make an impact as a starting running back.

With all of this being said, the Dolphins have a Marshawn Lynch-type of player in Ajayi. When you watch Ajayi on film, the first thing you notice is his size. At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Ajayi is an absolute bowling ball. He runs extremely nimble and his feet are extremely quick.

In terms of power, Ajayi truly is second-to-none. He has elite vision, he can make plays out of the backfield, he has the patience that is needed in the NFL, and he can also be an effective blocker in passing situations. On top of his size, Ajayi runs low to the ground, which enables him to bully opposing defenders.

The main problem with Ajayi is of course his knee. Originally, many draft experts had a second-round grade on Ajayi. However, this knee problem was obviously more concerning than most people realized, as it was really the only reason why he fell to the fifth round and being a Day 3 pick.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported awhile that Ajayi’s knee injury has to do with major cartilage issues. There were also rumors that the knee was bone-on-bone. Knowing this, Ajayi’s stock was hurt tremendously. Here’s what Ajayi had to say about going as late as he did and how he currently feels:

"“I did think I was going to go earlier, so I was definitely disappointed,” Ajayi said. “At the same time, I can only control what I can control. I know right now, at this very moment, that I’m extremely healthy and ready to go to camp and ready to contribute right away. I am excited that the Dolphins took a chance on me. I’m ready to prove all the people wrong and prove the Dolphins right.”"

Given the fact that the Dolphins had four fifth-round picks, taking a chance on a player with second-round talent makes a ton of sense given the needs of their roster in the future. The Dolphins are building a solid offensive line upfront with the addition of fourth-round pick Jamil Douglas.

If Miami is serious about taking pressure off Ryan Tannehill, then they need a competent running back. Ajayi provides just that, and although there are issues over his knee, drafting the Boise State product is the low-risk, high-reward type of pick that fringe-playoff teams need to make in order to make it to the next step.

Next: Miami Dolphins: 2015 NFL Draft Grades

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