Earl Thomas to Spend Time With Dolphins

Beginning on Wednesday, University of Texas defensive back Earl Thomas will spend two days with the Miami Dolphins, reports Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. According to Kelly, this will be the third time the Dolphins will meet with Thomas, who many draft "experts" have rated as the second-best safety in the 2010 NFL Draft, behind Tennessee's Eric Berry. At the 2010 Scouting Combine, Thomas measured in at 5-10 and weighed 208 pounds. Thomas ran a 4.43 time in the 40-yard dash, did 21 reps on the bench press (225 lbs), and posted a 9'05" broad jump. Despite posting an excellent time at the Combine, Thomas opted to run the 40-yard dash again, and posted a 4.37. Shaving his time came at the expense of other drills, as Thomas tweaked his left hamstring in the process.

Beginning on Wednesday, University of Texas defensive back Earl Thomas will spend two days with the Miami Dolphins, reports Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

According to Kelly, this will be the third time the Dolphins will meet with Thomas, who many draft "experts" have rated as the second-best safety in the 2010 NFL Draft, behind Tennessee's Eric Berry.

At the 2010 Scouting Combine, Thomas measured in at 5-10 and weighed 208 pounds. Thomas ran a 4.43 time in the 40-yard dash, did 21 reps on the bench press (225 lbs), and posted a 9'05" broad jump.

Despite posting an excellent time at the Combine, Thomas opted to run the 40-yard dash again, and posted a 4.37. Shaving his time came at the expense of other drills, as Thomas tweaked his left hamstring in the process.

The Dolphins, who released veteran safety Gibril Wilson last month, have the 12th pick in this year's draft and could use some talent, as well as leadership, at the back-end of a secondary to pair with starting cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, two young, talented corners the Dolphins chose on the first day of the 2009 NFL Draft.

Thomas feels his versatility will be an asset at the next level.

"I think of myself as a defensive back playing corner, safety, strong safety or wherever they need me - even in the slot," Thomas said at the Combine. "So wherever they have me I'll play. I'm comfortable at corner, safety, nickel. It really doesn't matter.

"I'm just a ball player ready to play."

Thomas started as a red-shirt freshman in 2008, and was named first-team Freshman All-American. Last season, Thomas set a Longhorn record with 8 interceptions, and was named first-team All-American by most news organizations. Less than 24 hours after the National Championship game, announced his intention to enter the NFL Draft.

Despite his youth, Thomas had earned the respect of his Longhorn teammates, on both sides of the ball.

"He (Thomas) was real energetic, he was a defensive leader, even as a sophomore," Texas offensive tackle and NFL Draft prospect Adam Ulatowski said at the Combine. "People look up to him, older guys look up to him because he was such a good player. I feel like he's going to do great (at the next level). He's got a good attitude, he's a smart player, and he's a great athlete."

NFL Categories: 
0 points
 

Log in to comment and more!

Not a member yet? Join free.

If you have already commented on Cheesehead TV in the past, we've created an account for you. Just verify your email, set a password and you're golden.