Gibril Wilson was a bust so he's gone. Antrel Rolle and Ryan Clark didn't feel enough love from Miami's bank vault. Restricted free agency hasn't been an answer for Miami's free safety issues and neither Tyrone Culver nor Chris Clemons are probably the answer, either.
No wonder the Dolphins have scheduled a visit with Texas free safety Earl Thomas for the first week of April.
Thomas, considered by some scouts to be the second-best safety prospect behind Tennessee's Eric Berry, should be available when the Dolphins are scheduled to pick at No. 12 but won't be around for their second-round selection. So the Dolphins are obviously impressed enough with this playmaker to consider him as a first-round selection.
This does not mean Thomas will be Miami's first-round selection. The club will meet with nearly three dozen players between now and the draft.
But Miami's obvious need at free safety combined with Thomas' resume suggests the pairing could work.
NFL.com draft analyst Mike Mayock has called Thomas "the most instinctive" defensive back in this draft. The knock on Thomas is that he's perhaps smallish and that he is, after all, coming out after his sophomore season so he is a puppy.
All that is well and fine as I'm trying to paint the full picture of the positives and negatives on the player, But consider Thomas is 5-10 1/2 and weighed in at 208 pounds at the combine so he's gained about 10 pounds since the season ended. And if you think that weight gain was done by eating Whoppers, you're wrong. Thomas ran a 4.45 at the combine. As for not being strong, he benched 225 pounds 21 times -- which was two more than top safety prospect Eric Berry.
"I'm physical, versatile, and like I said, I played corner and safety," Thomas said during the Indianapolis Combine last month. "[I'm a] hard- worker. I'm not looking to come in and just sit back and watch. I'm looking to make an impact right now as soon as I get there."
Thomas made an impact at Texas, recording 10 interceptions in 26 career starts. He returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns.
One thing the Dolphins would love about this kid is he's a fine player but also a fine person. He was on the honor roll in high school and is an active member of the Christian church in which his grandfather was the pastor.
Aloco I thought Odin was the "vicking"?
To be is much better than not to be
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 16, 2010 at 07:40 PM
Lol, alrright BennDiesel,
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 16, 2010 at 07:41 PM
THAT'S RIGHT , ODINESE IS THE VICKING .
IN EVERY FAMILY THERE'S A MAMA MARIA THAT COOKS,CLEAN AND WASH.
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 07:49 PM
Itsa timea for de Pasta...eh...ALoco? Itsa Goooood stuff...eh?
Posted by: Derek4Dolphins | March 16, 2010 at 08:08 PM
It would be nice to know the outcome 6 years from now (The new length for a guy to become a FA after the new deal) To see how Dez Bryant ended up doing...
Did he end up being just another "High talent low motor Moron" who pyssed away all the early years... Or will he be the next "Larry Fitzgerald" who fooled everyone? That has been and always will be the issue with QB's and these kids who are playing the WR position today. I can see where money is going to effect Dez in a very dramatic way, it will either go very well or extremely wrong... I don't see any middle ground with that guy. I hope he does well, I wish the best for anyone who is willing to do what they gotta do.
Posted by: Derek4Dolphins | March 16, 2010 at 08:14 PM
Derek, I hope the best for him too, too bad there will always be that small percentage that end up like Allen Iverson, never mature and end up broke, in jail or dead...most of these guys will have to retire by the time they are 30s and can't live without the millions and adoration of the fans
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 16, 2010 at 08:20 PM
Bobbyd12... I have been meaning to catch up with you and hope you read this... I am not certain you know... but your name has been pirated several time, once to me in a very uncool post... I can recognize you and when its not you usually, but why have to guess?... You can sign into the blog with a name that cannot be stolen by kids playing games, you name will appear in blue hence forward, identifying who you are for certain. Just sign up for a free twitter account... its simple man... and sign on using that. Its too bad you cannot trust any longer... But it is what it is... Ya Know? Just a heads up... no offense intended :)
Posted by: Derek4Dolphins | March 16, 2010 at 08:33 PM
DEREK4DOLPHINS......................DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE FROM THE FIRST SIGHT >?
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 08:37 PM
NO!..... "A man's character is revealed by what he does when no one else is looking"
You think about that... then sign in and be recognized.
Posted by: Ask Bill Ruger | March 16, 2010 at 08:45 PM
Derek, I only use my I Phone App to get on because I talk during slow periods..if there was a way to sign in on the I Phone app I would but I don't know if there is..I will have to chk but I no longer blog after 9 pm so ur not talking to me after 9
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 16, 2010 at 08:50 PM
That's cool, Just wanted to give a heads up. I will keep that time frame in mind in the future, You see just above that trolls lurk in every corner.... its freakin sad man... but that's what some losers do to in order to claim they have a life. Any who...Go Dolphins!
Posted by: Derek4Dolphins | March 16, 2010 at 08:54 PM
SIX MINUTES LEFT FOR ANY ONE WANTS TO HAVE THE PLEASURE TO TALK TO BOBBYD12 ..........HURRY UP POYS .
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 08:55 PM
BOYS..........TO BE OR NOT TO BE
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 08:56 PM
THREE MINUTES LEFT ............
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 08:57 PM
Bootang, about the last thread. I didn't realize it was you both times (1st one about incognito and second about something else) because sometimes when peoples names aren't in blue I ignore the names. But you did talk about the incognito thing first so you're right. I'm not saying other things can't be talked about just that we should address the story at hand first. Which is what we both did and then moved on. My bad, sorry about that (if that was the REAL bootang I just don't know because anyone can steal your handle! :) Oh yeah Earl Thomas is being visited by the fins in April, woopidy doo. Draft day can not get here soon enough.
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 16, 2010 at 08:57 PM
TWO MINUTES LEFT ...............................
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 08:58 PM
Good night Paul "To be ME or to be MANY ME" .....try not to cause too much havoc tonite
Posted by: bobbyd12 | March 16, 2010 at 08:59 PM
ONE MINUTE LEFT TO TALK TO BOBBYD12 ...............BEFORE 9;00 PM .
LAST CALL
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 08:59 PM
BOBBYD12, THERE'S A CHANCE WE CAN BE TALKING TO YOU AFTER 9;00 PM ?
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 09:00 PM
Go Dolphins?
Posted by: Dishpan | March 16, 2010 at 09:50 PM
HEY BILL I DO ALOT OF THINGS WHEN NO ONES LOOKIN.
BUT IN THE SAME BREATH IF I FEEL LIKE DOING ANYTHING I WILL.
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | March 16, 2010 at 09:57 PM
NYScott,
I know what you mean about the draft. It can not get here soon enough. We have taken a very patient approach to free agency, but even the smart fans who understand why that is a good thing, can't stand to wait. Lol. We all want to see how the Trofecta is going to continue the building process. There are so many topics to cover before we have talked at everything. Lol I don't even really want to talk about Earl Thomas anymore. I try not to be a broken record and come from new angles, but I'm running out of them lol. It should be a very fun blog on and throughout draft day.
Posted by: Bootang25 | March 16, 2010 at 10:04 PM
I am actually going to Florida's pro day tomorrow. It should be interesting. I personally feel the same way about the Gators as I do the Jets, being that I am a FSU fan. 2 of my good friends asked me to go, so why not. Will be interesting to see how packed the swamp is, and how many fans are there. The amount of fans just for Tebow at the Senior Bowl in Alabama was crazy, I can't imagine right in his backyard. My big wish is Joe Haden runs a much better 40, so he pushes a player down the board to us (maybe Eric Berry) lol
Posted by: Bootang25 | March 16, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Derek , just to let you know , you can still be impostered even if you sign in with a typepad account and be signed in with a blue screenname. Trust me i know , it happens to me on here. But If you click on the persons blue name you'll see it a different person.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 16, 2010 at 10:10 PM
Is there any news on the incognito subject ? They are suppse to be having dinner tonight if I'm not mistaken
Posted by: Jncrdn | March 16, 2010 at 10:22 PM
B. PARCELLS
I KNOW YOU DON't CARE ABOUT WHAT WE FEEL.
WE HAVE NEVER HAD A GREAT WIDE OUT. SOME DOLPHINS FAITHFUL THINK CLAYTON AND DUPER WERE GREAT. BUT THEY WERE BOTH TOP NOTCH 2s.
MARSHALL CAN OPEN UP SOOO MANY OTHER OPTIONS.
THIS MAKES THE SAFTY CHEAT OVER. IT WILL OPEN THINGS UP MORE FOR RONNIE AND RICKY.
BEING THAT HE PRETTY MUCH HAS TO GET DOUBLE IT MAKES OUR O EQUAL TO THEIR D.
I DON'T KNOW THIS MAN BUT I KNOW MOST PEOPLE ARE GOOD AND FACED IN A RIGHT PLACE MOST WILL DO THE RIGHT THING.
YOU CAN'T JUDGE OR YOU WILL BE JUDGED AND EVEN HUMAN JUDGES ARE NOT HONORABLE.
WE NEED A GREAT NOT JUST GOOD BUT A GREAT WIDE OUT.
THIS YOUNG MAN CAN CHANGE HIS LIFE AND THIS FRANCHISE.
AND IF HE DOESN't SHI+ WE MESSED UP BEFORE ON OTHER GUYS. BUT IF THIS WORKS OOOOHH BABBBYYY WILL YOU LOOK ALL THE BETTER AND WE CAN LOOK FORWARD TO THE PLAYOFFS..
OH OR TRY THE TED GINN AND DAVON BESS THING AND LETS SEE WHERE THAT GOES.
GO FINS!!!!
Posted by: JUSTIN CREDIBLE | March 16, 2010 at 10:23 PM
Jncr,
They offered him a contract, but didn't blow his doors off.
Posted by: Bootang25 | March 16, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Wow he missed
So
Many takles
Posted by: Wildcat54 | March 16, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Brandon spikes run that 4.7---so Kiper and his followers can stop sayn your not an athlete---Bloodlines with Takeo---Barndon will be a monster in the middle of a 3-4 for someone
Posted by: allen | March 16, 2010 at 10:34 PM
b/c we all know that a 40 time is the most important factor for a ILB athletic abilty-------rittteeee kiper -----cuz an ilb is always sprinting 40 yds in one direction w/o the aid of insticts---riteee
Posted by: allen | March 16, 2010 at 10:41 PM
makes sense---if he runs a 4.6 he is a 1st rounder---but if he runs a 4.8 he could be a 3rd rounder---(ilb)---yea dat makes tons of sense
Posted by: allen | March 16, 2010 at 10:43 PM
Ok Mr Walter football.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 16, 2010 at 10:47 PM
TIME FOR MY MEATBALL SUB W/PROVOLONE .
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 10:49 PM
So by your accounts spikes should be top 15 nevermind being in the 1st round instead of the 2nd round.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 16, 2010 at 10:50 PM
Burnett GT is going to be big time play maker in the NFL. If he is there in the 3rd he will be a steal and make the Trifecta look like evaluation gurus.
Posted by: morphin | March 16, 2010 at 10:52 PM
Justin,
Marks brothers were small... But 2's? Marino was better with Irving fryar?
Posted by: Kingtito | March 16, 2010 at 10:57 PM
Ok mr NJ---i guess you fly all around the country and dont use any database to find info on players----that 1
2.-----You like Mcclain and i like him too---but lets think a little bit here--he played in a 3-4 behing Cody and NFL 1st round pick talent NT------Spikes who is a 3-4 inside LB played in a 4-3---if they switched roles----you dont think Spikes would have better stats---and Mcclain would have more bad tape-----
I get it scheme means nothing with a player---rite NJ---u keep mcclain---ill take spikes---we will see who has a better career---
Spikes is a late 1st talent---22-35 regardless of his 40----
Walterfootball thinks he is a 2-3round prospect---yet u bring them into this argument BECAUSE???
Stay in jersey, kid
Fistpump
Posted by: allen | March 16, 2010 at 10:59 PM
Right , MR WALTER FOOTBALL !.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 16, 2010 at 11:03 PM
LOL !!!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 16, 2010 at 11:04 PM
morphin
I like burnett too, in the 3rd i wouldnt mind him---im struglling to find safties that are worth a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th pick at free safety---
After berry and earl---i just feel it is a huge dropoff---and that doesnt mean i feel we should take earl at 12---u dont fix every need we have in 1 draft----think value more than need---
Chaney or spikes in 2nd---they will start and produce big time on the inside in thier first year---
Cam thomas---project,
Im hearn damryius could go in 1st---hes got good value in 2nd
Posted by: allen | March 16, 2010 at 11:04 PM
JUST-UN-CREDIBLE: I cannot believe you called Duper and Clayton number 2s. Are you out of your skull? Wow.
Duper: 511 catches for 8869 yards. 17.4 yds per catch, 59 TDs, 61 yards/game. 3 time probowler. 10 year career.
Clayton: 582 catches for 8974. 15.4yds/catch, 84 TDs, 56.8yds/game. 5-time probowler. 11 year career (1 year of that in GB). NFL top 50 of all time for receiving yards and TDs. 3rd ever for TDs in a single season.
Please do a little research before you type such tripe.
Posted by: Jimmy Jam | March 16, 2010 at 11:04 PM
NJ------intelligent comeback----
ur at a D3 level rite now---u cant step into the Big East --------
Posted by: allen | March 16, 2010 at 11:06 PM
NJ, leave the children alone... lol
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 16, 2010 at 11:06 PM
incognito---where are the updates mando?
Posted by: allen | March 16, 2010 at 11:08 PM
LOL @ Carlito . EXACTLY !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 16, 2010 at 11:09 PM
I love Marshall and I think this team needs him but he is nowhere near Duper and Clayton: They were both so much faster and look at their yard per catch: 17.4 for Duper. 17.4!!!! Holy sh*t! Clayton: 15.4. Awesome. Marshall: 12.3 YPC. Big difference.
Marshall would be a great receiver to have and he is surely a much bigger guy than either Duper or Clayton. But he will never touch them in any stat except, perhaps, TDs (and, of course, receptions per game since he owns that record).
Posted by: Jimmy Jam | March 16, 2010 at 11:10 PM
Allen , you mean like your great comeback of stay in jersey and then FISTPUMP ?? LMAO !! You're not in my league son !!
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 16, 2010 at 11:10 PM
I'm pretty sure that Marino and Clayton are either number 1 or 2 on the all time list of qb to wr combos for td's... I know the top 2 are Marino to Clayton and Manning to Harrison, I just can't remember the order.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 16, 2010 at 11:11 PM
Carlito,
If I remember right Young to Rice passed them, and then Manning Harrison took over the number 1 spot.
Posted by: Bootang25 | March 16, 2010 at 11:14 PM
im talkn Mcclain /spikes-----
U wanna get at me----lets debate---
I debate with robin oc all day---he comes with knowledge----u want too step up give me your side---im open---or if u wanna cuddle with garlito--u too can do that----
Its my opinion on a LB--im open to hear ur side
Posted by: allen | March 16, 2010 at 11:14 PM
Yep, just checked it out... Marino and Clayton combined for 79 touchdowns, the most of any qb to wr pair..
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOGLE
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 16, 2010 at 11:14 PM
Carlito,
Google
Manning/Harrison 110
Young/Rice 85
Marino/Clayton 79
Posted by: Bootang25 | March 16, 2010 at 11:19 PM
Allen , that's your opinion and good for you. just at of curiosity. How old are you ? . I'm not being insulting. i just want to know what i'm dealing with. don't lie. I've been debating with rob in ob for awhile i now and i know for a FACT !! he respects my knowledge of football a whole lot . So don't give the rob in oc BS line . maybe you want to cuddle with rob.
Posted by: NJ PHIN FAN | March 16, 2010 at 11:20 PM
CLYTON , WHO?DID HE WIN ANY RINGS AFTER ALL THESE TOUCH DOWNS ? IF THE ANSWER IS NO , SO HE BELONGS TO THE NFL TRASH CAN .
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 11:21 PM
Heck I'd be glad to see Chad Henne get to 110 TD passes. Lol I don't care if 5 are to an offensive lineman
Posted by: Bootang25 | March 16, 2010 at 11:21 PM
BOOTANG25, GOOD JOB AT GOOGLE , I WANT TO SEE HOW CARLITO WOULD ANSWER THAT ?
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 11:22 PM
u should be a politician NJ---i could care less if you are 30, 40, 50----
I have laid out a huge issue with the mcclain spikes debate ---you will not answer it---
Rob-in oc line---?what line---its fact we disagree on players but i respect his side b/c he comes with logical points---you want to call me Walter--b/c i think they have the best accurate analysis for draft databases that is fine-----
U took it there to begin this , but ill end it here b/c this type of back and forth does nothing for me-----
Posted by: allen | March 16, 2010 at 11:26 PM
TO BE OR NOT TO BE, THAT'S THE QUESTION DONKEYS .
Posted by: ALoco | March 16, 2010 at 11:26 PM
Bootang you are right. Good job. I am bias though Marino and Clayton will always be number 1 for me.
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 16, 2010 at 11:27 PM
Aloco I already told you that to be is much better than to not be
Posted by: carlito from golfito | March 16, 2010 at 11:28 PM