Could you guys give me a little info

[Crzynick25]

Living in MASS I dont get to see a lot of the Fins games, I am forced to listen on Field Pass and watch on that little NFL.com Animation thing. (I Live in a condo also so i cant get Direct TV) Between training camp and the preseason, Is it that Donald Thomas has been a Huge surprise, or it is that Shawn Murphy been a dissapointment? I think based on where they were drafted we all expected Murphy to at least be in the running for a Starting spot either this year or next while Thomas like most 6th round picks would be fighting to a roster spot, but Thomas seemed to jump in and grab the starting spot. I've read what all the D-Lineman have said about Thomas and how he plays heavy, but i havent heard anything good or bad about Murphy so before i trail off too much, has Murphy dissapointed a little or is Thomas just a rare Gem?

[Dr. Phin]

Here is a quote from an article by Adam Caplan talking about Thomas.

Not only did the rookie from the University of Connecticut clearly win the right guard job, but a league source notes the front office was "blown away" with how well he performed and there have been whispers that he could eventually develop into a Pro Bowl player.

- Adam Caplan

From everything I have seen and heard, the guy is going to be great. He has made a few rookie errors during the preseason, but they are few and far between. He gets good push when run blocking, is solid as a pass blocker, but I think he has really excelled at pull blocking. He gets out in front and makes good blocks to seal the linebackers. For a rook, Thomas is a stud. He is a jewel find. (There is another current thread talking about Thomas specifically...you might want to check it out also.)

As for Murphy, he has an uphill battle here. From the training camp reports it appears he will be a project player. He did make the team though, so they must see potential in him.