Miami Dolphins: Kalen Ballage can grow into biggest offensive weapon
There were 11 running backs taken before Kalen Ballage, but did the Miami Dolphins take the best one?
The Miami Dolphins were thought to be in the mix for a running back at some point in the draft, especially after a failed trade with the Denver Broncos for C.J. Anderson.
Even with future Hall of Famer Frank Gore and the speedy Kenyan Drake, it felt like the Fins’ backfield missed a particular element, true power. At nearly 6-3, 230 pounds, former Arizona State running back and new Dolphin Kalen Ballage sure does look the part.
His sheer size is something that impresses Dolphins offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains (via the Miami Herald):
"“When he walks through the door, that’s what they’re supposed to look like… He’s big, he’s put together and he’s a really smart kid.”"
While size isn’t everything, there’s no denying that it does play a part in why the Dolphins selected Ballage in the fourth round. Still, Ballage has a skill-set that doesn’t limit him to being just a between-the-tackles runner.
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In addition to having surprising speed, Ballage has really good hands. It’s why he was able to catch 64 passes in two seasons (44 in 2016) for the Sun Devils. In fact, his ability to catch the ball is something the coaching staff is said to look forward to utilizing:
"“We’ve [Loggains] got to figure out what he does well and find out quickly with that stuff because he does have good hands.”"
There were a few backs that are unquestionably better prospects than Ballage, but there weren’t 11. Part of the reason why Ballage fell was because he wasn’t utilized as a feature back at Arizona State, never carrying the ball more than 157 times (2017). The lack of usage isn’t a bad thing for any running back since their careers are so short-lived, and for Ballage it just makes it easier for him to be eased into a bigger role.
With Adam Gase’s history of using multiple backs, like he did in Denver with Knowshown Moreno, Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman, Ballage will see some action one way or another.
With Gore and Drake in front of him, Ballage doesn’t have to be rushed into a major role. Instead, the Fins staff can make him into a fantastic third down back and utilize his size, speeds and receiving ability to create mismatch options for linebackers and safeties.
Ballage could perfect the art of running routes and be used a lot like David Johnson was used as a rookie with the Cardinals. Though Ballage and Johnson share similarities, he’s even more similar to former Rams back Steven Jackson.
They share similar size with a similar build, though Jackson was around 240 pounds. Their size makes them look a little upright when they run, but also allows them to power through defenders and drag tacklers. They ran similar 40s with Jackson’s 4.45 compared to Ballage’s 4.46 and their speed shows when they can break away from defenders.
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Like Jackson, Ballage won’t be used much in his rookie season. But in year two, there’s a chance he could skyrocket in terms of his production. Jackson was a dominant force for years with the Rams, rushing for over 10,000 yards and 59 touchdowns, while also catching 407 passes, making three Pro Bowls and leading the league in yards from scrimmage in 2006 with 2,334. Ballage was an investment pick as the Fins look to slowly unwrap his untapped potential.