Miami Dolphins: The best starter at each position in franchise history

Best linebacker in Miami Dolphins history: Zach Thomas, Kim Bokamper, John Offerdahl

Zach Thomas:

Thank goodness for Zach Thomas, or the Dolphins would have a pretty abysmal track record when it comes to linebackers. The product of Texas Tech was thought of to be too undersized for his position, but he ended up being one of the best linebackers that the game has ever seen.

Thomas is 5th on the NFL’s all-time list for most tackles, with more than Junior Seau, Brian Urlacher, and Ronde Barber. He finished his career with more sacks than Mike Singletary, Derrick Brooks, and Dick Butkus. More First-Team All-Pro appearances than Kevin Greene or Andre Tippett.

All of those guys are in the Hall of Fame. Zach Thomas is not. That needs to change.

Kim Bokamper:

Kim Bokamper played more games in a Dolphins uniform than any other linebacker aside from Thomas, and his longevity is a big reason for his spot on the list. He had 40 sacks in his career and made the Pro Bowl in 1979. Nick Buoniconti was considered for this spot, but his best years came as a member of the Boston Patriots.

John Offerdahl:

There is no one that really stands out for the third and final linebacker spot. AJ Duhe? Brian Cox? I went with John Offerdahl because of his five Pro Bowl appearances and very surprising First Team All-Pro selection in 1990.