While the Miami Dolphins closed out the preseason on a winning note, there was one player who stood out the most.
That player was their rookie quarterback, Skyler Thompson.
Even with Tua Tagovailoa as the number one QB, Thompson’s preseason showing secures him a roster spot.
However, who is he, and what was so impressive about his preseason performance?
Thompson Spent Five Years Quarterbacking At Kansas State
Before becoming a Dolphin, Thompson spent his college years with the Kansas State Wildcats.
His numbers in college weren’t mind blowing.
He completed his 2021 season with the Wildcats passing for 2,103 yards, 12 touchdowns, and a 69.5 completion percentage.
However, his low interception numbers over his college career are something that’s positive.
While his touchdown to interception ratio was higher in 2017 and 2018, he’s made improvements.
The 93rd K-State player in the top 200 countdown
Skylar Thompson QB #10/7
2017-2021
Independence, MO▫️Only player in school history with 6000 passing yards & 1000 rush yards
▫️School record for lowest interception percentage (1.81)
▫️2nd in passing TDs & passing yards pic.twitter.com/grKjmkESIz— Clint The K-State Fan (@Thekstatefan2) June 2, 2022
Those improvements were clearly seen with Miami during the preseason.
Thompson Has Amazing Preseason With Dolphins
The numbers he put up as the third string QB show an impressive performance by him.
The first preseason game saw him taking every snap for the entire game.
That full game, along with two other starts, got him 450 passing yards and five touchdowns for the preseason.
Which rookie had the best preseason? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4lrg68eere
— NFL (@NFL) August 31, 2022
However, some might not buy the hype over him, with it being preseason games.
But when you see he played a full game, it shows him performing at a high level with all the offensive players at his disposal.
That first game saw him pass for 218 yards and one touchdown while completing 20 of 28 passes.
Dolphins QB Skylar Thompson completed 20-of-28 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown in Miami's 26-24 preseason win over Tampa Bay. Thompson played the entirety of the contest, earning praise from Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel after the game. pic.twitter.com/IJKpZvyZOj
— Dolphins Brawl ™️ (@DolphinsBrawl) August 14, 2022
The game would end with the Dolphins claiming the victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-24.
It also was part of the reason behind the Dolphins keeping him as a third-string quarterback.
Mike McDaniel Agrees That Keeping Thompson Is A “No-Brainer”
When asked if keeping Skyler was a “no-brainer,” head coach Mike McDaniel affirmed that choice.
Grier and McDaniel when asked if Skylar making the team was a “no brainer” pic.twitter.com/HAjEEO5xNt
— Smoke (@nickysmokess) August 30, 2022
With Skyler’s performance, and his winning over teammates, he’s won his spot with the team.
McDaniel sees the wisdom in keeping him, even though he’s a seventh-round pick and a rookie.
While Teddy Bridgewater gets the number two spot, it’s solely based on his experience as an NFL QB.
However, his history of injuries is exactly why Miami is keeping Skyler on the active roster.
But why is that so important with a QB who wasn’t amazing in college?
Other Teams Can’t Get Thompson With Him On Active Roster
With the performance the rookie QB put on in preseason, some teams needing a backup might want him.
However, they can’t get him with the Dolphins assigning him to the active roster.
But if they put him on the practice squad, other teams could easily snag him if he’s not on the protected list.
Every NFL team can protect up to four players on their practice squad.
However, the remaining practice squad players can sign with other teams.
For this reason, Miami feels keeping him on the main roster is the best move.
It also helps if both Tua and Teddy go down in a game, and they need a quarterback.
If Thompson continues to impress, he might get bumped up to number two.
NEXT: Dolphins HC Comments On The Stock Of Skylar Thompson