Miami Dolphins Preview: Dallas Thomas

In 2013, the Miami Dolphins used their 3rd round pick on an offensive linemen out of Tennessee by the name of Dallas Thomas. Acquired for his versatility to play both tackle and guard, Thomas’ career got off to a slow start with minimal playing time as a rookie. In his second season. Thomas took a step forward and received plenty of playing time, positioning himself for an opportunity to earn a starting spot this coming season. Will Thomas take the next step in his development or will he get pushed to the bench by his competition?

2014 Review

2014 saw a major increase in playing time for Dallas Thomas, after appearing in just 6 games as a rookie; Thomas played in 14 games for the Miami Dolphins, starting 9 of them. Those 9 starts where truly a mixed bag though, as Thomas split time between right guard, left guard, and right tackle. Thomas looked much more comfortable at guard when he was asked to play in close quarters, as where playing out on the tackle seemed to be too much for Thomas at times as he struggled playing in space. Thomas did have his quality moments though like when he shut down Denver’s Von Miller, but most fans will probably remember his performance against Baltimore’s Elvis Dumervil who completely abused him. His issues at tackle eventually earned him a spot on the bench for the finals two games of the year in favor of Jason Fox. In hindsight, 2014 was a positive season for him because the coaching staff learned what Thomas can’t do. Mobile in the run game, athletic but not nimble, Thomas is a guard and one that has no business ever playing tackle.

2015 Preview

2015 watches Dallas Thomas enters the off-season as the incumbent starter at left guard, sandwiched between two Pro-Bowlers in Branden Albert and Mike Pouncey. During the early going of off-season OTA’s and mini camp, Thomas has been splitting snaps with rookie fourth round pick Jamil Douglas. The uncertainty at guard has also led to chatter of the Miami Dolphins being interested in pursuing recently released Philadelphia Eagles guard Evan Mathis.

With the Dolphins’ current cap situation and the extravagant expenses already paid this off-season, I have a hard time believing the Dolphins will pursue a high priced veteran that would be a progress stopper for the young talent on the line. Especially when they have young talent worth investing in. Most of Thomas’ struggles last year came when he was playing out of position, allowing seven sacks on the year, all at tackle; where in 362 snaps at guard he didn’t give up a single sack.

At Tennessee, left guard was the position Thomas settled into and earned himself the right to be drafted at, I’m glad to see the Dolphins putting him back where he’s comfortable, allowing him to develop his craft in a position to succeed. Even Thomas himself recently expressed his happiness to be back at a familiar position;

"“I am settled in. It’s been going good for me. I haven’t had problems there. I played there in college. I came here, they put me at right, but now I’m back home.”"

Thomas is mostly in control of his own destiny, competing head on with a rookie and with little to worry about a veteran addition. Thomas will no longer be asked to cross train this off-season and will have every opportunity to master the left guard position. This should allow Thomas to get comfortable and begin to play faster with more confidence. The Dolphins do really need him to develop because it’s a hinderance to a franchise’s rise when high draft picks don’t pan out. Not to mention their quarterback and high priced investment Ryan Tannehill can no longer continue to be the most sacked QB in the league.

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