Dolphins' Jay Ajayi: Getting involved in the passing game

As his second pro season approaches, Ajayi has demonstrated improvements in both his route running and ability to catch the ball, according to coach Adam Gase. "I feel like the routes are something (that is) a little bit new for him, as far as what he did in college," Gase noted. "But the improvement we're seeing every day is what we're looking for."

Analysis:

At this stage, Ajayi, who the reports adds "has impressed his teammates and coaches with his hard-running style and even his shiftiness as a ball carrier," is in line to head the Dolphins' backfield this season, following the free agent departure of Lamar Miller. While rookie Kenyan Drake is a candidate to work in a complementary role in tandem with Ajayi thanks to his ability as a pass-catcher, if Ajayi is able to improve that aspect of his skill set, he'll easily eclipse last year's totals in that department; seven catches for 90 yards in nine games.