Dolphins RB Kory Sheets: Time for a Break-Out

Kory Sheets has now been with the team for more than 1 season and is a fast RB who can and should see a break-out this season.

Let’s start with a review of his numbers prior to joining the Dolphins.  He had been projected as a draft pick for the late 3rd round or possibly back as far as early 6th round.  By whatever chance and fate, he was not drafted at all and was signed by Jeff Ireland as an undrafted free agent.  Here are the stats for Sheets out of college, courtesy http://www.nfldraftscout.com, the website is Frank Cooney’s NFL Draft Scout.  Please note that his 40-yard dash time is 4.39 seconds.

Who has been saying that Antonio Gates is so promising and who has been touting the current Dolphins draft?  Well, those who felt we did well in this present draft selection process should appreciate and still be very positive of Kory Sheets.   Sheets has speed and agility and a very good breakaway running ability that the Dolphins need if they are to create the dynamic offense that will carry them back to the playoffs and beyond.  And he is much faster than “projected starter” (according to a noted columnist of Cuban descent whom is currently on vacation from the Miami Herald), Daniel Thomas.  I invite you to compare the (lately) much-touted Running Back from selection in this year’s recent draft:

As you can see, he is coming off an injury to a hamstring and recorded only a 4.62 time.  Plus, he is not known for breaking tackles beyond the line of scrimmage.  In fact, I just do not see where all the love is for this guy as our draft pick and a “starter” at Running Back – even providing that we may not see Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams return.  Do you?

Statistically on Daniel Thomas is stated:

"2010:  Last season’s Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, Thomas recorded the second-most rushing yards in a season at K-State with 1,585 this season, which is also a new record for a senior back, and ranked eighth nationally. He also led the Big 12 with 19 rushing touchdowns, one shy of the school record. His 2,850 career rushing yards rank second all-time at K-State, while his 30 rushing touchdowns rank fourth, his 12 career 100-yard performances rank second and his 269-yard outing at North Texas in the 2010 regular season finale was the third-most ever by a Wildcat running back…"

A comparison, again, with Kory Sheets states:

"2007: 13 GP; 9 GS; Rush: 168-859-5.1-11; Rec: 30-216-7.2-2; KR: 1-14-14-0; 1 Sol-1 TT; Named to Doak Walker Award watch list (nation’s outstanding running back) … appeared in all 13 games, including nine starts … led team in rushing with 168 carries for 859 yards (5.1 average) and 11 touchdowns (tied for 11th on school season list) with a long of 59 yards … topped team with 13 total touchdowns (tied for 10th on school season list) … caught 30 passes for 216 yards (7.2 average) and two touchdowns with a long of 41 yards … eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark three times … second on team in total offense with 66.1 yards per game and in all-purpose yards with 1,089 yards (83.8 average per game) … returned one kickoff for 14 yards …"

Bottom line: Thomas has more yardage and more attempts and was used more in the Kansas State Offense than was Kory Sheets in the Purdue Offense.  Kory is 2 years in the NFL now after being acquired from San Francisco as part of the Ted Ginn, Jr. (and family) trade.  These are 2 different types of back: whereas Thomas is a larger, “pounding” type of back and Sheets is a smaller and faster one.  However, Thomas does not pound people enough in his past rushing (as you will see on examination of film) and does not have as much history as a kick returner or a pass catcher.  Sheets is 2 years on the rack, it’s true.  But if he comes back with speed and stays healthy, I predict he will be a force for the Miami Dolphins and Thomas will likely be a backup to Lousaka Polite.