Dolphins Guard Dallas Thomas Showing Major Improvements in Second Season

While the Miami Dolphins were busy trying to overhaul the abysmal offensive line that took the field in 2013, it had seemed as though the team had forgotten about its third-round pick from the previous draft class, Dallas Thomas. General manager Dennis Hickey signed guard Shelley Smith from St. Louis and drafted Billy Turner in the third round of the 2014 draft, showing a lack of faith in Thomas’ development.

It’s hard to blame Hickey and the Dolphins coaching staff for adding more depth to the unit after the previous group allowed 58 quarterback sacks and couldn’t create any push in the run game. Miami also hired zone-blocking guru John Benton from the Houston Texans to improve the scheme.

With four new offensive linemen added to the mix and the fact that Thomas played just two snaps in 2013, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), it seemed he was yet another Jeff Ireland draft miss. That’s why it was surprising when coach Joe Philbin was giving Thomas a majority of first-team snaps in OTA practices, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

That hype was short lived. When the preseason began, Thomas was exposed as still a very raw technician in pass blocking. His matchup against Tampa Bay defensive tackle Gerald McCoy was especially eye-opening.

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According to PFF, Thomas allowed one sack, one hurry and one hit on the quarterback in just 32 snaps, which led to a minus-10.4 grade. That performance could’ve justified Thomas being cut immediately after the game. It’s impossible for an offense to overcome such a poor game in the regular season.

Thomas was demoted to backup for Shelley Smith after the second preseason game, and Smith played decently at right guard until he suffered a knee sprain against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. That gave Thomas an opportunity to start, and he’s been steadily improving in his four games since (Thomas only played one snap against the Packers in Week 6).

Where Thomas was really struggling in the preseason was his ability to anchor with his lower body and engage with his length. He would allow defenders to get inside of his frame, and since he lacks great lower body strength, Thomas gets pushed back into the ball-carrier, effectively ending a play.

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To counter his struggles with strength, we saw Thomas bending at the waist, which compromises his balance and allows the defender to win with speed moves. This isn’t rare but needs to be coached and practiced to be improved. In the last two weeks, that’s been his biggest area of improvement.

Talent hasn’t been the issue for Thomas, who came from the University of Tennessee as a left guard. He played on the same line that Dolphins stud rookie right tackle Ja’Wuan James did.

NFL.com draft expert Mike Mayock had this to say about Thomas: "Here's a guy who's played left and right tackle. I like him inside. Some NFL teams like him outside. I think he has average feet for a tackle but a solid prototype for a guard."

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Young players in the NFL can take time to develop because of the vast difference of size and speed compared to the collegiate level. That’s why it’s important that teams do not give up on players after just one or two seasons, as long as the talent flashes the ability to improve. In Thomas’ case, consistency and strength are his only obstacles.

San Diego was a major test for Thomas, as he faced Corey Liuget. Liuget has been one of the few very good Chargers defenders, creating 13 quarterback hurries as a 3-4 defensive end, per PFF. Thomas responded by allowing a single hurry on Ryan Tannehill the entire game.

The Dolphins interior line has struggled handling stunts by opposing defensive linemen, mostly due to the lack of awareness and athleticism by Samson Satele and Daryn Colledge. Thomas showed more capabilities on Sunday to be a quality player in this regard. In the screenshot below, we can see how Thomas keeps his frame set and prepared to take on the defensive end.

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At this point in his development, Dallas Thomas may not be more than an average guard, but compared to where he was at earlier in the season, that’s a major improvement. His footwork, awareness and strength have all gotten better in his second season.

Miami’s left guard spot has been an area of weakness on blitzes and in the run game due to Colledge’s limitations. Thomas is a much better natural athlete in comparison, even if he isn’t elite. His ability to be a lead blocker on the edge of run plays was demonstrated early in the Dolphins’ matchup with the Chargers.

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Look at how Thomas is acting as a fullback, giving Lamar Miller space and time to find more yards. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor has more options with his play-calling with a guard capable of reaching the second level of the defense effectively.

At least until Billy Turner is healthy and prepared to enter the starting lineup, Dallas Thomas has played well enough to be the starting left guard over Colledge. Whether Thomas returns to being the top reserve lineman or starts, he has value to Miami now. Among the snaps missed by Mike Pouncey, Smith and Colledge, Miami’s had to use Thomas on 315 plays, according to PFF. That’s a luxury this team needed in the worst way in 2013 and could pay off big time this season.

All stats used are from sports-reference.com unless otherwise noted.

Ian Wharton is a Miami Dolphins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, contributor for Optimum Scouting, and analyst for FinDepth. 

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