Ronnie Brown trade rumors surface in Miami

By Brad Wilbricht  |   Thursday, April 23, 2009  |  Comments( 3 )

Miami Dolphins
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While Bill Parcells and the rest of Miami's front office are looking to acquire additional draft picks during this weekend’s NFL draft, moving running back Ronnie Brown could prove disastrous for a developing offensive unit. Recent happenings across the league have shown that having two adequate runners is a vital ingredient to a successful offense.

The Dolphins currently have the luxury of employing two capable backs with Brown and Ricky Williams. Both players have displayed the ability to carry the load out of the backfield and have been tremendously efficient in the "Wildcat" formation.

Brown has experienced mild success during his time in the professional ranks but has been hampered by injuries. He appeared in just seven games in 2007 and has played a full 16-game schedule just once in his four-year career. To his credit, Brown has averaged 4.4 yards per carry and has compiled 25 touchdowns. In addition, he’s been a weapon as a receiver, compiling over 30 catches in each season.

Meanwhile, Williams has shown flashes that made him one of the NFL’s top backs during his initial stint in the league. After playing in just one game during 2007, Williams racked up 659 yards on 160 carries a year ago. If Williams can continue to progress into the back he once was, it could reduce the loss of Brown if he’s indeed traded.

From 2000-2003, Williams rushed for 1,000-plus yards each year, including 1,853 yards during a spectacular 2002 campaign. Similar to Brown, he’s also exhibited a reliable set of hands as a receiver.

While the Dolphins are taking the “everyone’s available for the right price” attitude, they should stay put with Brown because of his versatility. Brown, teamed with Williams, should continue to develop into an outstanding tandem, particularly in the "Wildcat" formation. Furthermore, Williams is over 30 years old, which is a crucial age for running backs.

If Miami decides to trade Brown, it would certainly need ample compensation in return. A second-round draft pick would be a minimal requirement to acquire the multi-talented back. Even in that scenario, though, it’s highly unlikely the Dolphins will be able to secure a runner with the talents of Brown on the first day of the draft.

Fans in South Florida should be crossing their fingers that Brown stays put in Miami. If he does, Brown should continue to boost a developing offense in an increasingly difficult AFC East.
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About Brad Wilbricht

Brad Wilbricht covers numerous sporting events including the NFL, NFL Draft and college football. His analysis is simulcast through several media outlets across the country. Additionally, Brad is a regular guest on a variety of talk radio shows and can be frequently heard on the airwaves. To...
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