BY NICK ST. DENIS
Lamar Miller wasn't heavily involved in the Miami Dolphins' passing game during his rookie campaign. That's likely to change.
According to Pro Football Focus, Miller was in on just 56 passing plays in 2012, while first-stringer Reggie Bush saw 243 snaps of that kind and Daniel Thomas 145.
But with Bush gone, Miller looks to be the favorite over Thomas for the bulk of touches and reps moving forward. He's more versatile than Thomas and has shown more potential. His coaches have lauded his progress since being drafted in the fourth round a year and some months ago.
"He can pass protect. We feel like he has an ability to pass protect," Dolphins coach Joe Philbin told the media Monday. "It took him a little while to get the responsibilities down, get his adjustments down, last year. I think at the end of the year he was very sound in his pass protection. We think he has good hands, and he can catch the football.
"He has the skillset that you are looking for. Now we’ve got to see how he performs when he gets more carries in a game than, as we mentioned, then he’s used to.”
Mike Gillislee is another back who could take snaps away from Thomas. Gillislee, drafted in the fifth round in April, has reportedly opened some eyes in camp and had a solid night at the Dolphins' scrimmage Monday.
"Daniel Thomas had a touchdown reception and didn’t play poorly, but rookie tailback Mike Gillislee had a strong showing as he fights for playing time this season," Andrew Abramson of the Palm Beach Post wrote.
"Gillislee ran six times for 20 yards and looked comfortable in the passing game with two receptions for 21 yards. He did have a fumble, but overall it was a successful night for him."
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
