In the last week, the Miami Dolphins have brought in Baylor safety JT Woods, Georgia linebacker Channing Tindall and California linebacker Cameron Goode for pre-draft visits.
According to Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, the Dolphins are bringing in their first offensive player for a top 30 meeting on Wednesday – Wake Forest offensive lineman Zach Tom.
Tom has shown the versatility to play both center and left tackle at the collegiate level, but he’s being projected as a center in the NFL.
At 6-foot-5 and 312 pounds, the Demon Deacon took part in the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran a 4.94-second 40-yard dash and a 7.32-second three-cone drill. However, he didn’t participate in the bench press.
In his career at Wake Forest, Tom played in 48 games, starting 34, and in those opportunities, he allowed just two sacks.
Here’s what NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote about Tom:
“Center prospect who spent the last two seasons at left tackle. Tom was extremely impressive in pass protection at tackle despite a lack of desired size or length, but he’s likely headed back to center in the pros. He plays with technique and plus body control, but his aggression level is a little lacking in the run game and his mass is below average. Tom could be a priority for teams with leaky interior protection. He has Day 3 value as an above-average backup with eventual starting potential.”
Center is one of the few positions where the Dolphins still have a need. Michael Deiter currently has the job with no one pressuring him for it, but Miami should at least bring someone in to compete for the job. If Deiter were to win out, then they could have a developmental backup that would certainly still serve a purpose to the team.
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