2011 NFL Draft Grades: Report Card for the Miami Dolphins' 2nd Round Pick

Miami Dolphins select Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas with the 62nd overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. They traded up with the Washington Redskins to acquire Thomas.

In what initially appeared to be a trade intent on sending Ryan Mallett swimming with the Dolphins, Miami shocked Radio City Music Hall by grabbing Kansas State running back Daniel Thomas.

Thomas defines bruiser, weighing in at 6'0", 230 pounds. He absolutely dominated during his short collegiate career, rushing for a whopping 19 touchdowns in 2010.

Thomas was initially slated to play for the University of Florida, but insufficient grades forced him to resort to junior college. Although he produced only marginal numbers there, Thomas transferred to Kansas State where he made the most of his two seasons on campus.

The Wildcats often utilized Thomas as a receiving option as well. He caught 27 balls in 2010, and occasionally lined up at wide receiver. This should provide Miami with a welcome dynamic that they missed last season. He can immediately step in as the team's third-round back and provide Chad Henne (or whoever plays quarterback) with a solid safety blanket.

Thomas also has what he calls a "NFL caliber arm," which he utilized when the Wildcats played in the Wildcat formation. If Miami choose to reinstitute the package, Thomas will likely run it.

However, he does have a few flaws. Thomas struggled with a severe case fumble-itis, coughing up 11 in just two seasons. Also, he did not always utilize his size, rushing with a far more finesse style than would be expected from a player of his size. The Dolphins will have to teach Thomas to both secure the football and run with a more physical, downhill style.

Miami parted with their third, fifth, and one of three seventh-round selections in order to move up to 62 and select Thomas--a narrow price to pay for a running back whom Bill Parcells had ranked third on his draft board. According to the NFL Draft Value chart, Miami got a bargain.

The Dolphins will almost definitely pair Thomas with a speedy complement through free agency. Reggie Bush, Darren Sproles, and DeAngelo Williams are all viable options for the 'Fins.

This selection likely solidifies the end of both Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown's tenure in Miami.

The Dolphins clearly see something special in Thomas, and his highlight reel provides a glimpse into their attraction. Thomas' physical stature coupled with his collegiate dominance hints that he could morph into an assertive runner.

Although the Dolphins could have potentially gotten Thomas with their original third-round pick (or could have drafted prospects like Kendall Hunter or Jordan Todman), there is nothing wrong with assuring you get your guy. (And the Bengals were allegedly prepared to pick Thomas four picks later).

Thomas' knocks are a bit concerning, but his upside is remarkable.

Grade: B+