The Miami Dolphins are actively looking to bolster their running back depth following the departure of Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson's free agency. The team has hosted former Arizona running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt for a visit. Croskey-Merritt had a brief college career, starting at Alabama State, moving to New Mexico, and then to Arizona, where he only played one game this past season. Despite limited action, he showcased his potential with 106 yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries. Previously, he earned Second Team All-Mountain West honors, tallying 1,190 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns at New Mexico. He was also the MVP of the East-West Shrine Bowl and displayed impressive athleticism, measuring 5'10” and weighing 206 pounds at the Big 12 Pro Day. The Dolphins have signed Alexander Mattison to join De'Von Achane and fourth-round pick Jaylen Wright in their backfield, but Croskey-Merritt's visit indicates they are still exploring options to strengthen the position.

The Miami Dolphins are primed to enhance their running game, having used mid-round draft selections on running backs in the past two drafts. De’Von Achane, a third-round pick from 2023, and Jaylen Wright, a fourth-round pick in 2024, are set to return after the team released veteran Raheem Mostert. The Dolphins need to improve on a lackluster 28th-ranked rushing average from last season, relying heavily on Achane who logged an impressive 281 touches last year. Achane averaged 4.5 yards per carry, but his workload is a concern for the team's offensive strategy moving forward.

Wright will be crucial in providing relief to Achane, empowered by a second year under coach Mike McDaniel. Miami’s addition of Alexander Mattison, a capable short-yardage back, creates competition for the backup role. The Dolphins may not be done adding to their backfield with ten draft picks on the horizon, aiming to bolster their run game significantly for the upcoming season.

The Las Vegas Raiders are gearing up for significant changes in their backfield leading into the 2025 NFL Draft. After a dismal performance last season, finishing last in the league with an average of just 79.8 rushing yards per game, they are actively seeking improvements. Alexander Mattison, who led the team with 420 rushing yards, has moved to the Miami Dolphins, leaving the Raiders to rely on Raheem Mostert, formerly of the Dolphins, who signed a one-year deal with Las Vegas. With Ameer Abdullah also departing, the Raiders are eyeing Boise State star Ashton Jeanty as a potential early-round pick in the draft. Raiders GM John Spytek was present at Jeanty's Pro Day, showcasing the team's interest in securing a running back who has proven to be a prolific scorer, tallying 29 touchdowns in his most recent season.

Alexander Mattison's arrival with the Miami Dolphins brings a significant shift to their rushing dynamics. Emphasizing a 'downhill, fast, and physical' style, he addresses a critical gap in Miami's run game that struggled with short-yardage conversions last season. With a remarkable conversion rate on crucial runs, Mattison stands out as the heaviest running back at 220 pounds, a stark contrast to the speedster De'Von Achane. His ability to break tackles coupled with his pass-catching skills adds a multi-dimensional threat to the backfield, making him a pivotal asset in coach Mike McDaniel's offense.

Mattison's career boasts a solid performance, highlighted by his ability to convert on key plays and catch passes, which could alleviate the workload on Achane. As the Dolphins explore further options in the upcoming draft or consider bringing back Jeff Wilson Jr., Mattison's physical approach will be essential in reshaping their offensive strategy.

The Miami Dolphins have significantly bolstered their running game by signing veteran running back Alexander Mattison. At 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds, Mattison is now the heaviest tailback on the roster. Previously with the Minnesota Vikings, where he backed up Dalvin Cook, he became a starter in 2023. With a career total of 2,790 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, he excelled in short-yardage situations, converting 16 out of 19 attempts on third-and-1 or fourth-and-1. This acquisition comes as the Dolphins look to enhance their short-yardage efficiency and take some of the workload off De’Von Achane, who had a massive 281 touches last season. As they also signed linebacker K.J. Britt, it shows Miami’s intent to create a more balanced and effective team moving forward.