NFL Mock Draft, Pick 43: Dolphins Select Demaryius Thomas, WR Georgia Tech

The 43rd pick is in and SB Nation’s Dolphins community, The Phinsider, has selected...

Georgia Tech WR Demaryius Thomas

From The Phinsider:

Here’s what you can’t teach a kid: how to be 6’3, 220 pounds and possess enough speed to run away from every defensive back in the ACC. No receiver has as much upside as Thomas in this draft. And because he came out of a run-heavy offense, he’s a willing blocker who is actually effective - which this front office will love. In my opinion, there is no reason why Thomas can’t become a true #1 receiver and the best receiver to come out of this draft. At pick #43, this is really a no-brainer for a team like this that desperately needs a play-maker at receiver.

From Mocking The Draft:

Although I have Damian Williams rated much higher, Thomas is a better fit for Miami. The Dolphins desperately need a wide receiver, but current wide receiver Brian Hartline is very similar in playing style to Williams. Thomas may be a huge risk, but he could be a star with the right coaching.

From SB Nation’s player profile, courtesy of From The Rumble Seat:

However, one of his greatest strengths is his ability to be a blocking receiver. Georgia Tech’srunners amassed over 4,000 yards on the ground and many of these gains can be attributed to Bay Bay. He also has a powerful stiff-arm which makes him very effective off screen passes. He is not afraid to get in the opponent’s face.

I like this pick a lot. The Dolphins passed on Dez Bryant in the first round so they get a good value here with Thomas. This should help young quarterback Chad Henne develop. Also, as the SB Nation player profile points out, he’s a solid run blocker and the Dolphins still have two good running backs they can utilize. I like this pick.

Read the full write-up at Mocking the Draft.