Donald Thomas -- Is he any good?

[Rich]

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/miami-dolphins/story/648874.html
"Donald Thomas has limitations in the passing game, but I like his toughness. He's a mauler."
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My thoughts: Thomas is not giving up sacks. That's outstanding for a rookie. Now onto the criticisms... Thomas is a massive guy, and as such, does not seem to be the most mobile linemen. Perhaps he is the least mobile of our starters, in my opinion.

He gets pushed backwards on plays, more than the other guys. Part of this has to do with being a rookie though.

I remember Taylor Whitley a few years back... who would get pushed backwards 5 yards on every play... the QB would have to stand 8 yards behind the line of scrimmage to compensate... just so that schmuck wouldn't get pushed into him. This would allow edge-rushers to run around our Tackles, because the QB couldn't step up in the pocket.

Anyways, Thomas is getting pushed backward 1-2 yards, which is acceptable.... Less than a Seth McKinney or a Tim Ruddy.

I think Thomas will turn out to be an upgrade over Hadnot THIS SEASON... however, it's going to take a few games for the rookie to get adjusted. Those are my thoughts. Agree? Disagree? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Dtronic]

Alot of people in the know are calling him the steal of the 08 draft. He is completly raw, but is learning quickly. He plays very well considering he didn't play hs and only 2 years college.

All the other players on our o line rave about him.

 

[TurkishFin99]

I don't really remember him getting pushed back that often when we were running the ball. I actually remember him getting some pretty good push on the Jags d-line. I think with a little experience, he'll get a lot better. He, along with Long, have some improving to do. I remember that move that Spicer put on Long - one of those "Welcome to the league, Rookie," moves that made Jake look like a little kid.

 

[Pinkboy]

"The Don" getting "Pushed back " ?? What are you smoking ? LOL .. And "The Don" was the fastest lineman at the combine.. He will be fine once he polishes things up.

 

[MDFINFAN]

I think his technique in pass protection has to improve, he's using strength instead of leverage, which is why he gets a little pushed back, he needs to get those hands on the DT faster and stay a little lower or he's going to have some back problems if he doesn't learn to get low.. He's a breast in the run game because of his mauling strength, here he has the advantage because he knows where the run is going and he can attack the defender first... So he has some growing to do..but from everything I've read about him he's got a lot of upside..

 

[finboss]

I think its hysterical that everyone in Dolphins camp, including the coaches, are raving about this guy and after two pre-season games some people are expecting a guarantee that he will be Larry Little...RIGHT NOW!.....or he sucks. Jeezus.