I'm not sure if there's a better mix of size and athleticism in this draft outside of Amobi Okoye. Thomas is a wide body, and impossibly strong. He's just as effective as DT as he is at NT, and could end up playing in a 3-4, at NT or even DE. Gets great penetration off the snap, and commands constant double teams. Thomas is a double threat, in that he's very good at hitting gaps at the snap, and getting upfield, but is also strong enough to force offensive linemen backwards, into the play. Solid wrap up tackler, and shows decent speed for a man his size, working down the line of scrimmage.
NEGATIVES
Thomas got the boot from the Gators, early November, after he violated the conditions of his re-instatement, the month before. You have to wonder, if Thomas has the mental makeup to be an NFL player. He knew the rules to stay on the team, after he was suspended, and couldn't make it a whole month. From a football standpoint, the biggest thing I see with Thomas, is his form gets lazy, and he gets his pads too high. At 290 lbs., when he gives up leverage to a 325-lb. guard, he's done. Also, for as much penetration as he gets, he doesn't always finish the play.
FINAL WORD
At one point this season, Thomas was clearly the best interior d-lineman in the nation. Then he went off the deep end, was suspended, and returned only to get dismissed. Not sure what kind of shape Thomas will be in, come the off-season, or what NFL teams are going to think about, in terms of character, but there's not doubt Thomas has all the skills to be a dominant defensive tackle. Now, whether or not he screws his head on straight is another story.
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