Dolphins found late-round draft success with LB Zach Thomas in 1996

playESPN Dolphins reporter James Walker says Miami struck gold when they selected middle linebacker Zach Thomas in the fifth round in 1996. Thomas finished with seven Pro Bowls and was the ultimate overachiever in Miami. (1:07)Doubts were cast on former middle linebacker Zach Thomas from the moment he joined the Miami Dolphins.

Thomas, according to experts, was too small. He wasn’t fast or athletic enough. He didn’t have a high draft status, was questionable to make the 53-man roster as a fifth-round pick (No. 154 overall) and was the second linebacker taken by the Dolphins behind fourth-rounder LaCurtis Jones in 1996.

But there was something special about Thomas that was apparent right away…