Tedy Bruschi, Donnie Edwards, and Kevin Hardy. Thomas was the second linebacker the Dolphins drafted in 1996, joining their fourth round pick Baylor linebacker LaCurtis Jones (126th overall). Thomas was initially drafted to join special teams after the Miami Dolphins' special teams coordinator Mike Westhoff recommended him to head coach Jimmy Johnson. 1996 On July 3, 1996, the Miami Dolphins signed Thomas to a three-year, $577,000 contract at the league minimum. He impressed the Dolphins' coaching staff during training camp and quickly rose up the depth chart to compete for the job as the starting middle linebacker against Jack Del Rio. Head coach Jimmy Johnson officially named Thomas the starting middle linebacker to begin the regular season. On August 3, 1996, the Miami Dolphins subsequently released Del Rio due to the sudden emergence of Thomas. He made his professional regular season debut and first career start in the Miami Dolphins' season-opener at home, against the New England Patriots and made nine combined tackles and his first career sack in their 24–10 victory. Thomas made his first career tackle on Patriots' running back Curtis Martin and made his first career sack on Patriots' quarterback Drew Bledsoe for a six-yard loss in the first quarter. The following week, he collected a season-high 15 combined tackles as the Dolphins defeated the Arizona Cardinals 38–10. In Week 6, he collected 12 combined tackles in the Dolphins' 22–15 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. On October 13, 1996, Thomas recorded 11 combined tackles, a sack, and made his first career interception during a 21–7 win at the Buffalo Bills in Week 7. Thomas made his first career interception off a pass by Bills' quarterback Jim Kelly, that was originally intended for tight end Lonnie Johnson, and returned it for an 11-yard gain in the first quarter. On November 17, 1996, Thomas made eight combined tackles and returned an interception for his first career touchdown in the Dolphins' 23–20 win against the Houston Oilers in Week 12. Thomas intercepted a pass by Oilers' quarterback Chris Chandler, that was intended for tight end Frank Wycheck, and returned it for a 26-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. Thomas finished his rookie season in 1996 with 153 combined tackles, three interceptions, and two sacks, while starting all 16 games. Thomas was a 1997 Pro Bowl alternate and an All-Rookie selection in 1996. 1997 On August 4, 1997, Thomas sustained a