Top 25 Miami Dolphins players countdown: No. 18 is Chase Edmonds
This is The Palm Beach Post's Top 25 countdown of Dolphins players entering the 2022 season. We'll reveal multiple players each week throughout the summer, as ranked by our reporters using a simple criterion: Who's the better player right now?
Chase Edmonds has averaged 388 rushing yards over four NFL seasons, but coach Mike McDaniel handpicked him in free agency as Miami's top running back.
McDaniel, who is a run game expert, has a track record of identifying players who will fit the outside zone scheme perfectly and then capitalize on greater opportunities.
"Self-made," is how McDaniel describes Edmonds and players like him.
Edmonds performed well in Arizona, averaging 4.7 rushing yards per attempt after he was selected from Fordham as a fourth-round pick.
"Taking that blue-collar mentality that I have in terms of just working hard, making sure I’m always the hardest worker on the field and making sure I’m a great teammate," Edmonds said. "That really molded me into the man and to the player that I am today."
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The Dolphins gave Edmonds a two-year, $12.1 million contract, which includes a $6.1 million guarantee. It's a lot more than fellow free agent backs Raheem Mostert and Sony Michel are scheduled to make.
This means nothing more than Edmonds will get first crack to start.
"I think my strength is just my versatility," Edmonds said. "I feel like I can be an every-down back whether it’s first, second down and taking the carry, or whether it’s third down to become a receiving back and also third down in terms of pass protection."
Why we ranked Chase Edmonds 18th
McDaniel is committed to morphing Miami's run game from woeful to fruitful, and Edmonds is the top choice to lead the team in rushing.
Edmonds turned 26 this spring and his best years may be ahead.
What are his strengths?
Edmonds, 5-foot-9, 210 pounds, possesses a solid blend of speed, power and balance.
He has good vision, footwork and burst. He's well-built and is capable of making acrobatic twists, turns and directional changes.
Where we see Chase Edmonds headed
Edmonds worked in an inside zone scheme in Arizona, so it will be an adjustment to outside zone. But if McDaniel thinks he can do it well, he can do it well.
Miami has plenty of receiving options. But Edmonds is capable of catching the ball out of the backfield or after motioning into a receiver position.
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"Outside zone here, it’s kind of like you’re riding a wave," Edmonds said earlier this month. "Once you hit that wave, you’ve got to hit it and go. I’m getting used to that."
Edmonds was graded as the 66th-best back in 2021 by Pro Football Focus, which seems hard to believe considering he averaged 5.1 yards per carry, 10th in the NFL.
It will be key for Edmonds to maintain health. While he encountered toe, rib and ankle injuries last season, he has averaged 14 games played per season.
Joe Schad is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Toda Florida Network. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins Top 25 players summer countdown: No. 18 Chase Edmonds
