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Post by maury77 on Mar 8, 2017 6:35:26 GMT -5
For whatever reason, Thomas is not a name we frequently bring up as an option at pick number 6. I was ignoring him because I assumed he was another DT like Mo, Sheldon and Leo, but I have started to read that people describe Thomas as an edge. Then Thomas had a very nice combine, so I decided to take a look at him. Here are his combine numbers:  ![]() |
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Post by maury77 on Mar 8, 2017 6:41:16 GMT -5
* Stanford didn't do Thomas any favors by playing him inside almost exclusively as Thomas will need to play on the outside in the NFL.
* Good size and well built
* Not very lanky
* I like Stanford kids as I assume that they are going to be hard working, good character players
* Extremely quick off the snap
* Wins with a variety of moves in the pass rush
* In the UNC tape, you see him play off the edge a little bit. He is able to run the arc, but doesn't seem very explosive doing so
* Very good play recognition
* Uses his hands well
* You see him get moved on the inside at time, but at 275 pounds, that is not surprising
* Off his feet a lot. I didn't like seeing him on the ground so often
* I think his best fit is as a strong side DE in a 43
* I don't think he is a good fit for what we need. Projecting a DT to play outside is a tough projection and we failed (Quinton Coples) the last time we tried it.
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Post by crossfire on Mar 8, 2017 8:53:10 GMT -5
Rob Rang has him going 2 to the 49ers. I would love to see him jump up that high and push a few others down toward 6. I am really hoping we can trade back.
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Post by RobR on Mar 8, 2017 20:56:16 GMT -5
I just watched a small sample of his tape and I don't ever recall a 5 tech make the move to OLB at the next level. Can anyone else recall someone making that move?
I have to admit that he tested incredible at the combine so maybe it's in there.....but he comes off as a square peg, round hole type of guy although he'll probably be a great 4-3 end in the NFL.
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Post by peppep on Mar 10, 2017 16:21:07 GMT -5
I gotta be honest. Watching some of his tape, then seeing him prove it at the combine, I think this kid can play 3-4 OLB as long as you don't expect him to cover.
But rushing the passer and setting the edge will be no problem for him. He has the moves, he has the strength, he has the motor, he has the size to deal with bigger OTs, he has great quickness and explosion. He won't be trying to run around OT's that much like say, Beasley (ATL) for example, but he can still get to the QB in a variety of ways.
I don't think his weight is a major factor that forces him inside. After all, Garrett is 270 as well and nobody is suggesting he should move inside (I know, he has a dif. body type, but just saying).
Personally, I think we need to take S.Jones at 6- as I believe he will be the best CB to come out of this draft- and that's saying a lot with the depth of talent. But I like S.Thomas and I think he can play 3-4 OLB and will be a stud wherever he goes.
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Post by yankeejet22 on Mar 10, 2017 16:53:06 GMT -5
great balance. very athletic for his size... would be a great weapon as a lead blocker in goal-line situations.
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Post by RobR on Mar 10, 2017 19:29:52 GMT -5
I gotta be honest. Watching some of his tape, then seeing him prove it at the combine, I think this kid can play 3-4 OLB as long as you don't expect him to cover. But rushing the passer and setting the edge will be no problem for him. He has the moves, he has the strength, he has the motor, he has the size to deal with bigger OTs, he has great quickness and explosion. He won't be trying to run around OT's that much like say, Beasley (ATL) for example, but he can still get to the QB in a variety of ways. I don't think his weight is a major factor that forces him inside. After all, Garrett is 270 as well and nobody is suggesting he should move inside (I know, he has a dif. body type, but just saying). Personally, I think we need to take S.Jones at 6- as I believe he will be the best CB to come out of this draft- and that's saying a lot with the depth of talent. But I like S.Thomas and I think he can play 3-4 OLB and will be a stud wherever he goes. Have you ever noticed how all of the top OLB sack leaders in the NFL are normally in the 250lb. range? A guy like Thomas will be miscast as an OLB in a 3-4 thus negating his strengths. I also believe Garrett will be a better player in a 4-3 with his hand in the dirt, just like Thomas. What we don't need is yet another edge setting over sized OLB. I like Thomas as a player, I just feel he is a bad fit for how this team is currently constructed. |
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