james Walker: Dolphins OTA notes | FinHeaven - Miami Dolphins Forums

james Walker: Dolphins OTA notes

FinAtic8480

FinAtic8480

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The surprise player from spring practices has been second-year offensive lineman Dallas Thomas. The former third-round pick didn’t contribute anything during his rookie season. Not much was expected of Thomas, especially after the Dolphins drafted a similar player in 2014 third-round pick Billy Turner. But Thomas showed up for offseason workouts in good shape and is flashing good athleticism. He’s done enough to earn the inside track on the starting left guard position next to Pro Bowl left tackle Branden Albert. Thomas’ next task is to hold off Turner when the pads come on in training camp and the preseason.

Speaking of Turner, early impressions are he still has a lot to learn. Turner played left tackle last season at North Dakota State and is still working on improving leverage. From what I’ve seen, Turner still stands a little high at times and looks like a left tackle playing guard. Turner also needs to work on his punch. These are things that should improve with experience. But Turner is running out of time if he wants to be a Week 1 starter.

The more practices that go by, the more I think Dolphins return specialist Marcus Thigpen won’t make the 53-man roster. Thigpen has been Miami’s primary kick returner the past two seasons. But with rule changes and less emphasis on kick returns, Thigpen’s value has decreased and he doesn’t offer much in other areas. The Dolphins have moved Thigpen from running back to wide receiver this offseason, but Thigpen isn’t making plays. If Miami can find a decent alternative to return kicks this preseason, Thigpen could be on the outs. Other possibilities include receivers Damian Williams and rookie Jarvis Landry.
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http://espn.go.com/blog/miami-dolphins/post/_/id/8102/leftover-notes-from-dolphins-otas-2
 
Its impossible to know anything about these O or D lineman until the pads come on...

Truly the only thing i have been impressed with Dallas Thomas so far is that they are saying he is acting like a leader... thats pretty huge for a second year player... Cant wait for training Camp...

If we can let Billy Turner sit and learn for a year we will be in a good spot next year with two young sexy gaurds. Center LT and RT.
Chubbs
 
at least we have an OL coach who is for real and not a complete joke
 
mahmacoat said:
at least we have an OL coach who is for real and not a complete joke
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Better yet, they probably can question whose responsibility it is on a particular play without being accused of passing the buck....amazing that learning in a classroom instead of a strip club can shorten your learning curve....hopefully his development along with the other OL continues through the summer.....
 
psfign said:
can we just ****ing move on, people?!
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I like to point out our improvements over next season. spin it your way if you want

not really talking about bullygate, compare Turner's resume to Bentons and then come back
 
The more practices that go by, the more I think Dolphins return specialist Marcus Thigpen won’t make the 53-man roster. Thigpen has been Miami’s primary kick returner the past two seasons. But with rule changes and less emphasis on kick returns, Thigpen’s value has decreased and he doesn’t offer much in other areas. The Dolphins have moved Thigpen from running back to wide receiver this offseason, but Thigpen isn’t making plays. If Miami can find a decent alternative to return kicks this preseason, Thigpen could be on the outs. Other possibilities include receivers Damian Williams and rookie Jarvis Landry.
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If Thiggy doesn't make it to the 53 i'd like to see Landry as the punt returner (good hands) and maybe Miller running back kicks.
 
mahmacoat said:
I like to point out our improvements over next season. spin it your way if you want

not really talking about bullygate, compare Turner's resume to Bentons and then come back
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Will admit, it seemed you were referring to bullygate...but your comment seemed a bit OT even though you're bringing up the line coach when the discussion was the improvement of a couple line players.
 
I'm all for Dallas Thomas succeeding. I'm also all for Thigpen getting cut since he stinks at football.
 
fishfanmiami said:
If Thiggy doesn't make it to the 53 i'd like to see Landry as the punt returner (good hands) and maybe Miller running back kicks.
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I can see the same. Miller could be as good or better than Thiggy in 2012, and Landry could be as good or better than what Bess gave us.
 
Thomas must want it. Seeing Turner drafted was a shot to him. Injury can happen to anyone, he was just a casualty last year. Hopefully he uses it to dominate in camp.
 
if Dallas turns out to be a decent player and starts for us that's a major plus. Gives Turner time to learn both guard and tackle. Most of us had written Thomas off as a wasted pick. Nice if he proves us wrong.
 
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