Dolphins work out NIU wideout ahead of draft

He could be a Day 3 pick or priority free agent.

With the 2023 NFL draft less than two weeks away, the Miami Dolphins, like the other 31 teams around the league, are hosting players that they could be interested in using one of their selections on or signing after the conclusion of the event.

This includes Northern Illinois wide receiver Shemar Thornton, who Miami worked out on Friday, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.

Thornton transferred to NIU for the 2022 season after spending most of his collegiate career at Florida International. In his final season, he recorded 30 receptions for 327 yards. He also threw for a three-yard touchdown against Kentucky in September.

In 34 career games at FIU, he brought in 73 passes for 993 yards and nine touchdowns.

Thornton is from Miami, playing his high school football for Miami Carol City and Hallandale.

Miami’s pretty deep at wide receiver at this point, with Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Braxton Berrios, River Cracraft, Erik Ezukanma and Braylon Sanders currently under contract for the 2023 season. However, Thornton could certainly be someone who’s brought in to compete for a practice squad spot with a Day 3 pick or as an undrafted free agent.

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