In case you didn't know, the 2011 NFL Draft occurred late last month. If you didn't, please exit the Internet to your left, immediately.
Of course, I'm a Dolphin fanatic (DolFanatic), meaning I was checking in with the Dolphins' draft picks curiously. When they traded up to grab Kansas State's star running back Daniel Thomas in the second round, DolFan-nation went nuts.
We knew we weren't getting a running back in the first round when we picked up Mike Pouncey at 15th. So, things got a little antsy in Miami, as many loyal fans were damn sure the best pick would be a promising running back.
But don't worry Miami, general manager Jeff Ireland heard you, and responded pretty damn well.
What it led to was a trade up to regain a second-round draft pick with the selection of Daniel Thomas. Thomas, as you know, was a damn good back for K-State, getting close to numerous school records.
Listen, we all know just how mediocre Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams have been—they've lacked the explosion that brought the Dolphins a playoff spot in 2008. Since that time, they've been lukewarm and have stunk it up in South Florida.
They don't have the vision that they appeared to have in 2009, and the offensive line did all it could until they gave out.
Now, with the addition of Mike Pouncey, there will be a ton more holes for a back to explode through. Daniel Thomas could be that ground game the Dolphins need to break through for a little over five yards a carry, if the current offense is kept in place.
Of course, there have been reports that the Dolphins are still interested in adding a scat back, which is basically a fast-as-hell running back that's quick and agile on his feet.
This would mean acquiring a pro like Darren Sproles from free agency, although Norv Turner of the Chargers' said he would like Sproles back for next season.
If the Dolphins do this, it only means that they're ready to go in a different direction in their running game. They will have a balanced ground attack with a dude who can pound in the middle and find small slots to slip through (Daniel Thomas).
Add to that a small back who can have screens called for him consistently and force the defense to stay on their toes. This would keep the defense guessing, knowing a speedy back would have them pedaling backwards (this would be the role of Darren Sproles.)
I like this pick, personally. It's dynamic, and it shows the commitment to Sparano's ground-and-pound philosophy on offense. What say you?
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