Lamar Miller and Andre Ellington are two very talented young running backs in the league today. It’s obvious that both of these young guys are very talented, but the question of who’s better? will come down to preference. Anyways we can straight into how I feel about which runner is better now and will be in the future.
Lamar Miller, Miami Dolphins
I really like what Miller brings to the table in this comparison. He’s slightly younger with more experience in the league and he’s also bigger than Ellington. He also in a situation where he has a chance to see the ball in his hands a lot more often. Miller has the most carries for his hometown Dolphins this year and looks to be the main guy now and for the near future. He has nice size for a running back at 5’10" and 218 pounds. He also has pretty good vision between the tackles, along with some nice break away speed.
I must admit I’m really excited to see Miller develope. He reminds me so much of Miami running backs like Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, and Frank Gore.
The only thing that concerns me about Miller is the team around him. Miami definitely isn’t a good situation for a young player right now.
With the hazing/bullying allegations who’s to say how young players are treated in that organization.
It also seems as though the Dolphins would like to keep the ball in quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s hands more than Miller.
So even though I see him getting majority of the touches for the rest of this year and in the future, I’m not sure how many touches that will add up to.
On top of all that, who knows if anything is certain for the future of the current Miami Dolphins roster depending on if anymore information comes out about the hazing incident.
Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals
Ellington is a little be smaller than Miller but he’s faster, harder to tackle in space cough (Darrelle Revis) cough, and better catching the ball out the back field. He has the potential to become one of those offensive weapon running backs like Darren Sproles or Danny Woodhead. He isn’t the number one back in Arizona but I think that suits his style of play. He may turn into an every down back later on in his career, but for now he fits better in the third down/passing situation back. I also like his situation more when it comes to his team and the leadership on offense.
The Cardinals offense has three key veterans that can help Ellington along on hopefully long career. Rashard Mendenhall has been a pretty good starter in the league for a couple years now. He knows what it takes to win especially from his time in Pittsburgh. A solid veteran running back can teach Ellington a lot on and off the field. We really overlook how important it is to have a solid veteran there to help young players a long. The Cardinals also have a pretty good veteran quarterback that has seen it all. Carson Palmer is a seasoned vet and can help Ellington when it comes to getting to know your quarterback and how to get open when out on a route. With Palmers help Ellington will know where he will need to be to help his quarterback out of a tough situation. Finally Larry Fitzgerald the face of the organization will be there to guide him as well
When it comes down to it I think Miller is definitely the more talented runner. He’s had a pretty good season and is definitely the number one back in Miami now. But his situation isn’t a very desirable one. My choice is Ellington because not only is he having a pretty good rookie year he also has a better situation for the future. Ellington has a brighter future and he is having a pretty decent season so far his rookie year. I feel for Miller, hopefully this young talented runner can find success for his hometown team, hopefully the craziness in that locker room doesn’t harm his future. But for now I'm going to have to go with Ellington for having the best chance for the improving his team the most.