By Jake Boals | May 28, 2026
He averaged 3.7 yards per carry in four years with one of the NFL’s worst run-blocking teams. Now he’s working out for a Dolphins squad that has every reason to give him a shot.
Key Points
- Zamir White’s workout: The former Las Vegas Raiders running back, known for his elite athleticism and Georgia pedigree, worked out for the Miami Dolphins this week, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
- Raiders’ dysfunction: White’s underwhelming NFL numbers are tied to Las Vegas’s historically bad run-blocking, which stifled even their top draft picks.
- A perfect fit for Miami: In a rebuilding year under Jeff Hafley, White’s combination of low cost, high upside, and untapped potential makes him an ideal target for the Dolphins.
Who Is Zamir White?
To understand why Zamir White might be worth Miami’s attention, you have to start with where he came from.
A fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, White arrived in the league as a product of Georgia’s powerhouse program — a school that routinely produces NFL-ready running backs.
White’s college résumé was elite. As a senior, he rushed for 2,086 yards, averaging an eye-popping 14.1 yards per carry and scoring 34 touchdowns. His performance earned him the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation’s best running back.
At the 2022 NFL Combine, White proved his athleticism matched his production. His 4.40-second 40-yard dash at 215 pounds showcased the kind of rare size-speed combination that NFL scouts dream about.
| Measurable | Result | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 215 lbs | Ideal NFL workhorse size |
| 40-yard dash | 4.40 seconds | Elite speed for his frame |
| College YPC (Senior) | 14.1 yards/carry | Doak Walker Award winner |
| Draft position | 4th round, 2022 | Raiders, Pick #130 |
Four Years in NFL Purgatory
Unfortunately, White’s NFL career hasn’t lived up to his college promise — but the reasons why tell a deeper story.
Over four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, White averaged 3.7 yards per carry, including a brutal 2025 campaign where he managed just 12 carries for 32 yards (2.7 YPC).
But here’s the critical context: White wasn’t the only running back struggling in Las Vegas. Across his four years with the team, the Raiders ranked at or near the bottom of the league in rushing metrics like yards per rush, rushing EPA, and yards before contact per rush.
The clearest example? The Raiders spent the 6th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Ashton Jeanty, one of the most hyped running back prospects in years. Jeanty, despite his pedigree, averaged the exact same 3.7 yards per carry as White in his rookie season.
When a system produces identical results for a 4th-round veteran and a top-10 pick, the problem isn’t the player — it’s the environment.
Why Miami Should Take the Gamble
The 2026 Miami Dolphins are in a transitional phase under new head coach Jeff Hafley, and this is the perfect time to take calculated risks on players like White.
Here’s why White makes sense for Miami:
✅ Low Cost
After a forgettable 2025 season, White’s market value is at rock bottom. Signing him to a minimum deal would be a no-risk move for the Dolphins.
✅ Elite Athleticism
White’s 4.40 speed and 215-pound frame haven’t aged out. He’s still the same physical specimen who wowed scouts at the combine.
✅ Low Mileage
With just 100 career carries over four NFL seasons, White’s body hasn’t endured the wear and tear of a typical veteran running back.
✅ Upside
The combination of White’s Georgia pedigree and combine performance suggests there’s untapped potential waiting to be unlocked in the right system.
✅ No Risk, High Reward
A workout and a league-minimum contract represent almost no financial commitment for Miami — but the potential upside is significant.
Achane and White: A Perfect Pairing
With De’Von Achane locked into a massive 4-year, $64 million extension, the Dolphins already have their featured back.
White wouldn’t be expected to carry the offense. Instead, he’d serve as a reliable, physical complement to Achane — a player who can handle early-down work, grind out tough yards, and keep the star running back fresh.
For a team that’s focused on depth and value, White fits the mold perfectly.
The Bottom Line
Zamir White isn’t a household name. He may never be one. But the idea that he’s just another unproductive running back doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
White is a Doak Walker Award winner with elite size and speed, who spent four years trapped in one of the NFL’s least effective rushing systems. The same system that turned a top-10 pick into a statistical afterthought.
For a Dolphins team in the early stages of a rebuild, White represents the kind of low-risk, high-upside scratch-off ticket that could pay serious dividends.
The workout has happened. The fit is obvious. Now it’s up to Miami’s front office to decide if Zamir White deserves a second chance — and if they can be the team that finally unlocks his potential.
— Sports Desk | Coverage powered by ESPN, Raiders Wire, Dolphin Seer, Pro Football Reference, and USA Today
