Dolphins snag RB Jay Ajayi in 5th round, ending his slide
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Jay Ajayi's slide is finally over.
The Miami Dolphins selected the Boise State running back in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Teams were concerned about a knee injury (including a torn ACL) Ajayi suffered in 2011 - more specifically, how the bone was recovering. However, if Ajayi is healthy, he could make an immediate impact for the Dolphins.
Lamar Miller figures to be the starter heading into 2015, but Ajayi should get plenty of snaps. The two are different runners and Ajayi will give the Dolphins a little more of a power-rushing attack and an ability to pound the football through the tackles.
Jay Ajayi Bio
Position: RB
School: Boise State
College Experience: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6-0
Weight: 221 lbs.
Age: 21
Combine Results
| Event Result | |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.57 sec |
| Bench Press | 19 reps |
| Vertical Jump | 39.0 inches |
| Broad Jump | 121.0 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | 7.10 sec |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.10 sec |
Strengths
- Plays with speed and physicality, not shying away from contact and proving difficult for defenders to bring down.
- Falls forward when tackled, often still picking up yards where there isn't much of a gain to be made.
- Uses quick feet and elusiveness to make defenders miss both at the line of scrimmage and downfield, maintaining an impressive level of balance throughout his runs.
- Plays with good vision, making quick decisions at the line and setting up his blocks effectively.
- Smooth and effective receiver out of the backfield, giving him true three-down value in the NFL.
Weaknesses
- Is a willing pass-blocker, but could stand to improve technique for better overall results.
- Running style exposed him to some big hits in college and he'll have to do better to avoid such punishment in the NFL.
- Had ball-security issues throughout his collegiate career.