I agree it is an oddly spelled name, but it is pronounced Chris-tin, which makes it more like a man's name.
I've been reading about it, and I haven't seen any reports of Michael having any issues when Sherman was around other than with injuries. It seems that his issues may have started when he didn't handle the coaching change well from Sherman to Sumlin.
I just saw PFW's RB rankings and they are as unique as their QB rankings. Though I cannot totally disagree when you look at the context of what each runner did in their given situations. 1. Montee Ball 2. Andre Ellington 3. Eddie Lacy 4. Giovani Bernard 5. Johnathan Franklin 6. Le'Veon Bell 7. Kenjon Barner 8. Kerwynn Williams 9. Joseph Randle 10. Stepfan Taylor.
I think you run to the podium if Eddie Lacy is sitting there at 42. Unless of coarse a Jarvis Jones, Tyler Eifert, Carradine, Trufant, Cyprien, Hopkins fall as well. Then you have a really tough choice.
There are major injury issues there... my sense of it is that Knile's were more worrisome despite seeming as 'often' as Christine's injuries.
For all we know that speaks to a deep loyalty Christine had for Sherman, like when Irvin was inconsolable when JJ was fired.
I actually like his game quite a bit and feel he would be a very good fit as our Alpha back, but a couple in here, with good insight, feel differently. Don't think it matters. We won't be taking a RB that early. Another,guy I really like is Barner.
The only reason I can think of why anyone would not want Ball too high is the perception of too much tread wear, based on his high number of carries. Not saying it is a logical concern, but it's really the only thing I can think of. He is a really solid runner. Ball, Franklin and Taylor are my 3 favorites.
I'm glad that someone is with me on Ball. As I said, he probably won't be a superstar, but there isn't a hole in his game. He could be a pro-bowl alternate kind of guy. He'd be our best blocking RB right off the bat, and he perfectly fits our running scheme AND complements Lamar. The tread wear excuse is lame, if you ask me. Kevin Smith had tread wear. I think if you're going to criticize him (not that I would) it would be that he doesn't have breakaway speed, and that he could be a product of a dominant UW line.... his numbers also took a hit when QB went from Russell Wilson to that guy...
The guy I would love to bring in as a complement to Miller is Stepfan Taylor. He's a back who is getting overlooked because he isn't flashy, but hell if he isn't a physical player who will get you those nasty yards. Miller is faster, but honestly Taylor is more of a physically imposing player.
I don't want to see the Dolphins take a back in the first 3 rounds unless the value is just too overwhelmingly good. They just don't need a back and you can find good ones later on. Mike James is a guy I would love to see them take at the end of the draft.
If anyone would fit that category, it has to be Eddie Lacy. Yet, it doesn't stop folks from masturbating over the idea of Miami possibly drafting him.
The need is bigger then I think is popularly accounted for. Unless Philbin dramatically changes things(Which I don't think he does), it's a two-player position, and while Lamar Miller has upside he's hardly someone who you should be treating like Jamaal Charles.
I don't think Lamar Miller is valued by many like he should. I strongly feel he would be the top back in this class had he waited to come out. I also think the team values Daniel Thomas more than the fan base does. Even still, you can find a solid compliment after the first 3 rounds. And of course there's also Jonas Gray. I just don't see a reason to use high value on a position with such low importance, especially when the Dolphins will IMO pass the ball much more going forward.