The Miami Dolphins have scheduled a pre-draft visit with R Mason Thomas of the Oklahoma Sooners, as per Arye Pulli of Sports Illustrated. Fun fact, the “R” in Thomas’ name stands for…R. Yes, really.
Thomas is considered one of the top edge prospects in this year’s draft, and his stock is trending upwards by the minute. A Fort Lauderdale native, Thomas has drawn comparisons to Dee Ford, former Pro Bowl linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
Thomas falls in that gray area between linebacker and edge rusher, due to his lack of size. While top edge rushers around the league stand at 6’4, 6’5, and so on, Thomas stands at just 6’2, and 248 pounds. However, his “explosiveness and speed” make him a nuisance on the defensive line, as per Lance Zierlein of NFL Network. In nine games with the Oklahoma Sooners last season, Thomas racked up 6.5 sacks and 26 total tackles.
The Dolphins are in the market for an edge rusher, following the departure of Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb. Chop Robinson is entering his third year with the team, having followed up a strong rookie season with a disappointing sophomore season. Josh Uche, David Ojabo, and Robert Beal Jr. make up the rest of what can only be described a mediocre edge unit, at best.
Thomas is expected to go in the second round of this year’s draft, if not in the late first round. The Dolphins hold the No.30 overall pick in the first round, as well as No. 43 overall pick in the middle of the second round.
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