2011 NFL Draft: Daniel Thomas Talks About His Hopes to Hear His Name Called

Daniel Thomas, one of the top few running back prospects in the 2011 NFL Draft, is still on the board for this second round and should be one of the first few backs off the board.

I got a chance to talk to Daniel about his hopes to get drafted today and what his draft experience has been.

I asked him if he had any indication on where he could end up. As expected, not much is known about where these guys could end up.

"I really don't have any idea. I'm hoping its early," he said.

"I was excited for those guys [that got picked]. I was hoping my name would be called [yesterday], but I was just happy to see the guys I trained with get drafted."

Thomas has been dealing with injuries this offseason, and hasn't been able to boost his stock enough, evidently, into the first round.

"It's been a long process, with injuries and missing the Senior Bowl, it's been long," Thomas said.

He can add a lot to a professional team, based on what I've seen on film. I asked Daniel what he think he could develop into in the NFL.

"I feel a level of comfort in the wildcat, and teams have shown interest in that.

"I have the ability to keep the chains moving," he said. "I think I could do a bit of everything, catch the ball, pass block and add a level of excitement. I can do whatever they need me to do."

As do most great running backs, finding a few players to model and emulate is a good way to develop quickly and have a goal in mind in terms of progression.

"I enjoyed watching Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott in Tampa Bay, and I do love watching Adrian Peterson," Thomas said.

Thomas should be drafted in the second round, though with the lack of great need for running back and teams not valuing the position as highly, Thomas could slide. Still, he feels he can be a great value.

"I feel like I'm a complete player, I am very coachable, and I think I can one of the best in the league."

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