1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Thomas...a breakdown

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by PhinPhanatic, Apr 30, 2011.

  1. PhinPhanatic

    PhinPhanatic New Member

    466
    66
    0
    Feb 22, 2011
    Rochester, NY
    In posted this in another draft but figured it could be more widely enjoyed as an original thread. Its a large chunk of a third party analysis that covers his history, stats, strengths, weaknesses etc. Enjoy:

    Overview
    Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder has made a living picking up junior college stars to fill needs that weren't answered during the early recruiting process. Thomas rates among the best JUCO transfers Snyder has had in Manhattan because of his size, strength and versatility as an offensive playmaker.
    Thomas committed to Florida out of Hilliard (Fla.) High School, but wound up at Northwest Mississippi Community College due to academics. As an all-purpose quarterback he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns during his two seasons in NWCC, earning a spot as one of the top JUCO recruits in the nation. After spending a year at Butler Community College and taking a summer leadership course at Manhattan Christian College to get his grades up, he joined KSU (he had originally committed to former coach Ron Prince, not Snyder) and immediately became a focus of their offense.
    Big 12 coaches named him the Offensive Newcomer of the Year because he led the conference in rushing attempts and yards (247-1,265) and scored 11 times, plus caught 25 balls for 257 yards and completed three of four passes for 50 yards and a touchdown. His senior season was even better, exploding for 1,585 yards and 19 TDs and 27-171 receiving going 4-for-8 as a passer with a TD and an INT. Thomas is a bit taller than most NFL teams prefer in a primary back, leaving him exposed to take bigger hits and full body blows, and lacks elite speed and experience at the running back position. His seven fumbles in 2010 won't earn him high grades for ball security. But his experience in the Wildcat formation is intriguing and he owns the strength inside and receiving skills to be hold down a major role in a backfield rotation -- especially given the success of NFL power backs LeGarrette Blount and Peyton Hillis this fall.
    Analysis
    Inside: Strong inside runner with a very good lean, always falls forward when wrapped up or chopped down. Nice spin move to come off tackles inside, pick up an extra yard or two. Presses the line and is very effective on quick-hitters. Adequate selling ball fake inside, but could lower his shoulder and play with more urgency. Combines his strength with enough elusiveness to avoid getting caught in the backfield, but is not elite in this area. Plows ahead to move the pile. Does not own exceptional vision, but more often than not will pick his way through trash inside. Secures the ball in close quarters.
    Outside: Lacks breakaway speed and is a better north-south runner than east-west, but covers a lot of ground with his long strides once in the open. Also has a bit of wiggle to freeze and shoot by oncoming defenders in the open field. Keeps the ball in his right hand on most plays, needs to switch to left more consistently. Gets pitches to the outside, capable one-cut or jump-cut runner who plants and drives into the hole. Only adequate vision but can find lanes on the run when heading outside, and flashes the ability to cut back against the grain to make a big play. Usually keeps the ball high and tight, but his long arms make it easier for defenders to strip him if he holds the ball loose when trying to make a move (four fumbles, three lost in 2009; 7-4 in 2010).
    Breaking tackles: Gives good effort to get through tackles whether pounding inside or running in the field. Bounces off piles or when fullback is stuffed inside, gets the corner to get extra yardage. High stepper who will run through cut and arm tackles. Strong stiff arm. Takes defensive backs for a ride when downfield. Will lose his balance when trying to make cuts or shake and bake in space. May not have enough speed to avoid NFL defenders as easily as he does against college talent.
    Blocking: Could be very strong in pass protection, but will be a liability until he puts in more effort. Keeps a strong base and moves well laterally to mirror linebackers and defensive ends when focused. Likes to be physical, but too often that means he throws a shoulder into an oncoming defender, failing to sustain so his man can join the play. Gets in the quarterback's way on occasion being hesitant in protection in the pocket. Is strong on the outside against cornerbacks when lined up at receiver, but needs to give more consistent effort. Acts as fullback on delay quarterback draws, but likes to throw a shoulder instead of using his hands to move linebackers out of the hole. Rolls out with the quarterback as a personal protector; willing to hit but is too easily pushed aside by linebackers. Receiving: Reliable receiver on screens, in the flat, and even lines up at split end. Uses his length to adjust to poor throws and hands to snatch the ball from the air outside his frame. Presents a big target for quarterbacks on screens, finds open spaces if there is traffic inside. Moves downfield to take advantage of attacking defenders when quarterback scrambles to his side. Lines up at split end on occasion, becomes a size mismatch on the outside but is inexperienced running routes at that spot and is rarely challenged at the line of scrimmage. Most routes are rounded off, must learn to run more crisp routes and sell them more emphatically. Intangibles: Team leader despite being a JUCO transfer. Teammates appreciate his toughness, played through pain in his left shoulder most of 2009 but still led the conference in rushes. Academics were a major issue for Thomas, so scouts will be curious if he can learn complex NFL offenses.
     
    GMJohnson, ToddsPhins and rafael like this.
  2. ToddsPhins

    ToddsPhins Banned

    29,125
    7,721
    0
    Mar 15, 2009
    I like that he's a guy we can move around the field while posing a big target at the same time.
     
  3. cobrajet

    cobrajet Mr. Ross - sell the team!

    2,567
    1,033
    0
    Jan 12, 2010
    I wanted to share this with you guys. Does anyone know what kind of a hands this kid has out of the backfield??



    From. . . . . . http://walterfootball.com/draft2011RB.php


    Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 228.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.60.
    Combine 40 Time: DNP.
    Pro Day 40 Time: 4.60.
    Benchx225: . Vertical: . Broad: .
    Projected Round (2011): 2-3.

    4/6/11: Daniel Thomas disappointed onlookers at his personal Pro Day, as he strained his quad after running the 40 once. Thomas clocked in at 4.60.

    10/1/10: Thomas has really improved since last season and reportedly has shown better running instincts, power, and confidence. He has 628 rushing yards and six touchdowns thus far including a 234-yard performance against UCLA. Our concern here with Thomas is his highly upright running style, which will expose his legs to tacklers.

    3/29/10: Daniel Thomas rushed for 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns on a 5.1 YPC. He also caught 25 balls for 257 more yards. If he can run a fast 40, he may break into the first round.
     
  4. ToddsPhins

    ToddsPhins Banned

    29,125
    7,721
    0
    Mar 15, 2009
    he has good hands. he's a guy we can probably split out and get involved in the passing game.
     
  5. cobrajet

    cobrajet Mr. Ross - sell the team!

    2,567
    1,033
    0
    Jan 12, 2010
    An insider said that Shane Vereen was on our board, but when the Pats took him (No. 56 overall) we panicked and traded up to get Thomas at (No. 62 overall). I would have rather have had Vereen myself but Thomas is very talented as well. Once again Bellicheat makes out in the draft like a kid in a candy store. Mallett, Vereen, ...., ....., ..... Man I freakin' hate Bellicheat.


    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ys2A9Mm2hQ
     
    ToddsPhins likes this.
  6. ToddsPhins

    ToddsPhins Banned

    29,125
    7,721
    0
    Mar 15, 2009
    I'd rather have Thomas although he needs a little more polishing.
     
  7. Colmax

    Colmax Well-Known Member

    5,126
    3,241
    113
    Dec 12, 2007
    This is what I see with Daniel Thomas (I do not know this guy from Adam):

    - Runs high.

    I can tell he was not brought up as a back. Backs play low to the ground, esp. when confronted with multiple defenders. He looks more like a wideout in the open field than a true back. He stays high when he takes licks; not always good in the NFL. But I do not know that I would change his running style too much because I do not think he has the body to play low like a Ricky or Ronnie. Ronnie can blow people up. This guy looks like he can move the pile; not from brute strength, but rather, by keeping his legs moving.

    - Slow?

    I'm sorry, but the guy is fast enough. Most running plays are under 10 yards, so I am not worried about lightning speed. Speed for backs (unless your name is Chris Johnson) is almost a moot point. And from some of the WC plays, I thought he went outside pretty well.

    - Lean and tall.

    I think this helps with his vision, which is pretty good. Some of the holes I saw were big enough for my grandmother to wheel through, but I cannot knock the guy for that. I do not think he is an every down back, but rather, a solid complimentary back to Ronnie (who I think the Dolphins bring back). I do not know yet if he is starter material. But I think he could handle it if called upon. He has had production, which is good. His leanness might help him fit better into 'slimmer' holes (I left it open guys!).

    - Academics.

    One does not have to be a Rhodes Scholar to play running back in the NFL. With that, I do wonder how well he would do in pass protection? This is very important, and I am very curious to see how well he picks up blitzes, etc.

    - Versatility.

    I think this guy is more than a back. I could see him even lining up at wideout on a few occasions, or at least taking the slot against smaller DBs. He also played QB. Plus for us. I personally LOVE the WC, so he should fit right in. On the few plays I saw him catching the ball out of the backfield, he looked solid. Miami did not have much to work with in the draft, but I think this pick was good. This guy, IMO, is not a true blue running back, but rather a 'tweener' if you will (a little bit of back, a little bit of wideout). Yes, he plays the position, but his body type is different from those big backs because he lacks bulk. He's very lean, although his weight says otherwise. He and Brown are the same height/weight. Brown looks thick. This guy is long and lean.

    - Overall.

    This guy was slated as a 2nd-3rd round pick, so Miami did not reach. They obviously thought he was worth trading up for him. He's tall and lean, and is not a bruiser like Ronnie. I think he plays well in open spaces, and can make guys miss. Looks pretty athletic. I like the pick. We'll see.....
     
    CaribPhin, Hiruma78 and ToddsPhins like this.
  8. BuckeyeKing

    BuckeyeKing Wolves DYNASTY!!!!

    25,411
    5,743
    113
    Dec 6, 2007

    Well that does sound like Miami to panic and trade up.
     
  9. cobrajet

    cobrajet Mr. Ross - sell the team!

    2,567
    1,033
    0
    Jan 12, 2010
    Thomas is great but I really wanted more speed. I think Vereen was the best underrated RB in the draft and I was really hoping that we got him but.. .. ..
     

Share This Page