The Facts: The NFL (and Dolphins fans and players and coaches) learned that Ajayi is one of the most determined, violent, physical inside runners in the NFL. But one thing that seems uncertain still, is if Ajayi can become both a lethal (and consistent) receiving threat. It might be possible. "Jay (Ajayi) is working hard to be a three-down back," OC Clyde Christensen said at a recent news conference. "His receiving skills are 200 percent better than a year ago today."
Diehards Line:
While 200 percent is obviously hyperbolic, is it conceivable that Ajayi might have say, 100 percent more catches in 2017 than 2016? As Post staffer Joe Schad notes, Ajayi had 27 catches (none for touchdown) in 2016. But what if Ajayi could catch 54 passes from Tannehill? Well, it would put him in the receiving realm of Devonta Freeman (54), DeMarco Murray (53), Theo Riddick (53), Duke Johnson (53), Darren Sproles (52) and LeSean McCoy (51). Remember: As a junior at Boise State in 2014, Ajayi had 50 catches for 535 yards with four touchdowns. So expecting some improvement is not unrealistic. And if opponents believe Ajayi is a more-viable pass-catching option in 2017, it could alter the way they align in the box to contain his brutal running style. Whatever the case, as Schad summed up, "If Ajayi could ever duplicate those numbers in the NFL, he’d be more than a Pro Bowl running back. He’d be one of the most complete, and frankly, best running backs in the league."