Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins have reportedly been in talks over the past few weeks with fullback Vonta Leach. The Super Bowl winner would be a tremendous addition to a young Dolphins team that could use as much veteran leadership as possible on offense. More importantly, he is a phenomenal run blocker who would be essential to the success of second-year running back Lamar Miller. Even though the contract negotiations appear to be at a standstill, it is imperative that Miami acquires the veteran.
The good news for the Dolphins is that Leach’s agent Ralph Vitolo believes his client will ink a deal with the organization. When Vitolo was asked by the Miami Herald if Leach was going to sign with the Dolphins, he said:
“I think so. I hope so. It’s the right place to be. We’re trying to crunch the numbers.”
Leach rushed for 32 yards and one touchdown on nine carries in 16 games during the regular season. He also managed to haul in 21 receptions for 143 yards. Even though he would certainly be someone quarterback Ryan Tannehill could drop the ball off to if necessary, Leach would be better utilized as a bulldozer to make room for Miller.
The 31-year-old paved the way for Arian Foster’s breakout season in 2010 and allowed Ray Rice to enjoy plenty of success over the past couple years. Foster rushed for a career-high 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns thanks to Leach’s crushing blows on every snap. Meanwhile, Rice owes a decent amount of success over the past two years to Leach’s blocking.
If the Dolphins expect Miller to be their franchise running back then they need to give him a dominant fullback who can clear the way and help build confidence for the youngster.
