3rd round pick: OT Dallas Thomas from Tennessee

[MikeO]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC8aqegJ5aM

Dallas Thomas OT Tenn is the 3rd round pick (he also plays guard so he might play there)

[mecadonzilla]

ESPN is listing him as an OG.  Do the Dolphins have other plans for him, or is ESPN wrong again?

[MikeO]

FWIW: Mel Kiper not a fan of this kid. Had him a mid to late DAY 3 pick, Miami took him in Round 3.

This could will battle for a guard spot and be a nice back-up swing tackle at worse you would think.

[el diablo]

USA Today had him listed as a guard also.

[MikeO]

ESPN is listing him as an OG.  Do the Dolphins have other plans for him, or is ESPN wrong again?

he was a starting LT in college. He can play both Tackle or Guard

[Landshark]

Versatility is a good thing on the offensive line.  The trouble is, your third rounder should be battling for a starting job.  This guy is a jack of all trades but a master of none.

[Downunder Dolphan]

A real interesting pick that brings up more questions than answers. Rang describes him as more of a mauler than a zone blocker (not the type of lineman I was expecting Philibin to go for tbh) and said he spent time between LT & LG.

Does this mean they have plans moving Martin back to RT? Will they go ahead with the Albert deal? Will Thomas take over Jerry's role as the swing tackle?

Another random thought. I remember last year MikeO picked Miller as the future replacement Bush, and in a similar vein I'm thinking yesterday Jordan was maybe a future replacement for Wake. Maybe Thomas is a future replacement for Incognito?

[EDGECRUSHER]

No opinion on the kid due to not knowing anything, but if Mel Kiper hates him, then that means Miami drafted well. He is one of the worst "draft gurus" around, even though ESPN hypes him up as some sort of fortune teller. His track record is garbage.

[MikeO]

Another random thought. I remember last year MikeO picked Miller as the future replacement Bush, and in a similar vein I'm thinking yesterday Jordan was maybe a future replacement for Wake. Maybe Thomas is a future replacement for Incognito?

Incognito didn't make a lot of friends in the organization during the whole Jake Long contract talks by going to Twitter and begging the Fins to re-sign Long and essentially having a twitter meltdown. Don't be shocked if Richie is a June 1st cut.

[el diablo]

Of course. Because a player voicing his positive opinion of a teammate is frowned upon with this organization.

[Landshark]

Of course. Because a player voicing his positive opinion of a teammate is frowned upon with this organization.

Philbin's actions towards players that challenge him speak volumes.  The message is clear.  This is his team. He runs it his way and his decisions are not up for discussion.

[mecadonzilla]

If Nick Saban was "the Nick-tator," then is Joe Philbin "the Joe-tentate?"

[Sunstroke]

^^^ I like it, but it might be a wee bit too esoteric for the unwashed masses.

This Dallas Thomas pick made me scratch my head a little. It's not that I know a ton about him, but there were a number of other O-line prospects out there that I liked more. Hopefully he'll prove to be a decent pick, because Miami definitely needs help on the line.

[MikeO]

everything I have read on him says that pass protection won't be a problem for this kid. He does that very well.  Has some drawbacks obviously but coming from the SEC and playing against top competition week in and week out is also a plus. I think this kid has a legit chance to start. Lance Louis is coming off an injury, we only have 1 tackle penciled in as a starter right now

[BigDaddyFin]

From Lindys Magazine:

Impressive athlete with good initial quickness and top flexibility and balance.  Has the base to wall off powerful bull rushers and the spring to move left or right to remain square against quicker rushers

Has some tackle traits but might fit best inside.   Lacks sustained foot speed to earn top grades as a pass blocker... Vulnerable to outside speed rush and quick counter moves inside...  Has a consistent hitch when attempting to pull.

They list him as 2nd round talent and it's very possible Miami wants to play him at guard.