More and more NFL rookies are expected to contribute early in their careers. However, for them to make an impact they need to beat out a veteran player. We are going to analyze the situation of specific rookies and determine the likely hood of them winning a position battle.
Rookie Depth Chart Battles: Daniel Thomas
Team: Miami Dolphins
Position: Running Back
Competition: Lex Hilliard, Patrick Cobb, Ricky Williams (free agent), Ronnie Brown (free agent)
Chance of winning the battle: 40 percent
Thoughts: The Dolphins have some major free agency decisions to make as their two top running backs are not under contract. They could either decide to retain Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown or purse a free agent (DeAngelo Williams, cough cough). Then there is always the option of handing the starting job to Daniel Thomas but that seems unlikely.
Thomas is a hard runner that had great production at Kansas State. His experience with the wildcat was no doubt attractive to the Dolphins. However, he doesn’t have great speed or quickness and may struggle to break tackles. I had Thomas as more of a 4th round prospect but in the right system he could be productive.
I find it hard to believe that Miami won’t bring someone in to compete with Thomas even if that means bringing back Williams or Brown. With that being said, Thomas will have an opportunity to impress the coaching staff and earn significant playing time. As most are aware, the NFL has evolved into a two back league increasing Thomas’s ability to earn snaps.
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