2011 Fantasy Football Spotlight: Daniel Thomas RB Miami Dolphins

Player Spotlight: Daniel Thomas  

As draft day and keeper deadlines start to inch closer and closer, it is time we started focusing in on some of the players you likely don’t know a whole lot about, but who have the potential to make big splashes in the fantasy world this season.

Looking at the draft, one name continues to stand out to me as far as the player with the best mix of ability and opportunity: Daniel Thomas.

For those who are hearing that name for the first time in fantasy circles, Thomas is a RB who was taken with the 62nd pick in Round 2 of this past April’s draft.

At 6'2", 230 pounds, he is the ideal back in terms of blending physicality and speed, and he showed throughout his years at Kansas State that he also has the big-play ability.

Over the past two seasons at K-State, Thomas averaged 1,425 yards and 15 touchdowns while facing defenses such as Oklahoma and Texas.  

During his time at K-State, he earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors (2009) as well as All-Big 12 (2009), and ranks second in school history for rushing yards.  

Thomas isn’t known for breakaway speed a la Chris Johnson, but his 4.6 40-yard time combined with the rugged running ability strikes similarities to Steven Jackson from the St. Louis Rams.

Many scouts and teams wondered if the collegiate success would translate to the NFL and no one can answer that for sure.

Thomas, in my opinion, is in a better spot than most other fantasy youngsters this season because of a couple of factors:

1) He is in Miami. With the departures of Brown and Williams, it leaves the opportunity wide open for the taking. He will be the No. 1 back on opening day.

2) The addition of Reggie Bush is a good thing. It will prevent defenses from putting eight in the box due to the Bush ability to play the slot and be an easy check-down option. This will give Thomas the ability to take on the role and impact that Pierre Thomas has had in the fantasy world.

3) With Chad Henne and the passing game still a work in progress, don’t be shocked to see the Dolphins continue to emphasize the run. Sparano is a run-first coach and you can bet that he will give Thomas the potential to shine.

4) Miami’s O-line ranks in the top 10, anchored by Jake Long. They will not only give Thomas great running lanes, but also give Henne time to make better decisions, and hopefully better throws accompany that.

All of those factors and the fact that you have barely heard Thomas' name mentioned in early fantasy columns makes me circle and target this kid as a great RB2 or RB3 depending on how your draft day goes.

Most rankings have him somewhere between 15 to 30. It will take him some time to get his legs and to get used to the offense, as well as the speed of the game, but Thomas is a great option in middle rounds and early rounds if you are in a dynasty-style league.

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