Miami Dolphins all-time Mount Rushmore

4. Zach Thomas, LB (1996-2007)

First off, before we get into this list, we need to address Zach Thomas not being in the Hall of Fame. When you compare recent linebackers, such as Brian Urlacher, Thomas is worthy of having his name enshrined in Canton, Ohio.

In this case, Thomas seems to fall short due to his lack of sacks, which is a tough sell.

During his time with the Dolphins from 1996 to 2007, Thomas had the most combined tackles in the NFL with 1,640. His 598 assisted tackles also led the NFL, and the 1,042 solo tackles he gathered were the fourth-highest total. His 1,107 career tackles are the fifth most in NFL history.

Thomas played in 168 games over that span. When you look at some of the players he was statistically better than or close to, you will see the likes of Ray Lewis, Derrick Brooks, Junior Seau, and Brian Urlacher. See the theme? All of those players have a bust in the Hall of Fame.

Yes, tackles are no deciding factor. Regardless, Thomas was one of the best linebackers to play in the NFL. According to Pro Football Reference and the AV player evaluation tool, Thomas had a career AV of 149, and as a Dolphin that number was 142.

To put that into perspective, Urlacher’s career AV is 150. Of course, none of this is definitive. However, the career Thomas put together should not be overlooked.

Thomas was drafted in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech. Playing during the last run of success the Dolphins have had, he was an All-Pro five times and a Pro Bowler on seven occasions.