DAVIE, Fla. (AP) – Daniel Thomas is such a versatile player the Miami Dolphins gave up three draft picks to land him.
The Kansas State running back could be taking a lot of handoffs and an occasional snap this season. Thomas is a potential triggerman for the Dolphins’ wildcat, and he has a chance to fill the role of every-down rusher as well.
The Dolphins traded with Washington to move up in the draft and select Thomas, who was taken in the second round with the 62nd overall pick. They gave up selections in the third, fifth and seventh rounds.
“It makes me want to go out there and do the best I can to show they didn’t make a mistake trading up to get me,” Thomas said.
The 6-foot, 230-pound Thomas led the Big 12 Conference in rushing the past two years while totaling 2,850 yards and 30 touchdowns. Miami was in need of help at running back because Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams both become free agents this offseason.
If Brown doesn’t return, Thomas might find himself operating the wildcat. He took snaps from the formation for Kansas State, and completed 7 of 12 passes for 155 yards and two scores.
“That’s something I think I can bring to the table,” Thomas said. “I played quarterback in high school and junior college. I’m good for like three or four passes a game.”
Mostly, the Dolphins figure to let Thomas run. He compared himself to former 1,500-yard rushers Larry Johnson and Stephen Jackson.
“I’m a guy who is going to keep the chains moving. I rarely lose yardage,” Thomas said. “I can run between the tackles or go outside, whatever they need me to do.”
The native of Hilliard, Fla. went to junior college in Mississippi before transferring to Kansas State. The Dolphins also took a Floridian in the first round – Florida Gators center Mike Pouncey of Lakeland.
“A great player,” Thomas said. “To have a guy like that will be great.”
The Dolphins have only two other running backs on their roster – Patrick Cobbs and Lex Hilliard. Last year neither Brown nor Williams had a 100-yard game, and Miami finished next to last in the AFC in scoring.
The last time the Dolphins took a running back so early was in 2005, when Brown was the No. 2 overall pick.
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