Scouting Report: Thomas has a solid build, lean with a small waist and long limbs. He plays a FS at Texas but is asked to do a little of everything. And trust me, he does it all. Only a redshirt sophomore but his coverage skills are very good. He has great anticipation and does an excellent job of reading and diagnosing the making the big play on the ball. He's one of the most physical safetys in the draft, and has no qualms about sacrificing his body for a play. Some think that he's better suited to play a very physical CB in the NFL, to maximize his coverage skills, and try and keep his body in tact. The only real negatives to Thomas' game are the fact that he plays more physical than his frame will hold and it could shorten his NFL career and that he does at times play a little out of control and forgets his assignments.
Draft Status: Thomas is only a redshirt sophomore, but if the Longhorns win a national title, there's a real chance he makes the jump to the NFL. If he did, he'd be no worse than the 2nd safety off the board and probably the 3rd defensive back which means he's probably a top 15 pick. For a player so young, but so talented all that can happen at this point is to have his game get picked apart and hurt his stock. He's not going to get any bigger or any faster or any stronger, and his skills set is what it is.
Final Analysis: Love, love love what Thomas brings to the table. He reminds me a ton of Joe Haden only playing safety. He's got good size for CB, a little undersized for a safety as physical as he is. But he's got great strength both in coverage and in run support, he runs very well, is a great leaper, and has soft hands. He can blitz when asked to, and literally anchors the back 4 of the Longhorn defense. No matter what happens for the Longhorns this year, Thomas would be foolish to return to school when his stock really can't get much higher.
Reminds me of: Troy Polamalu, S Pittsburgh Steelers-Both a little undersized, super aggressive, and able to do anything on the football field. Thomas can certainly grow into the kind of impact player Polamalu is, given the right scheme and coaching. All the physical tools are there.
he wont be around for either philly or dallas. two very dumb comments. def not going to the giants after they signed antrel rolle. it would be a good pick for the steelers at a position of need... if he lasts til pick 18
Submitted: 22:16:34 06-March-2010 Comment: #985
Anonymous says:
Patriots.....billy gets his man period.
Submitted: 21:39:16 17-March-2010 Comment: #1173
Anonymous says:
lets go get him steelers
Submitted: 06:26:28 22-March-2010 Comment: #1218
SF49ers says:
He'll be taken by the niners with the 17th pick!
Submitted: 12:39:50 22-March-2010 Comment: #1221
Anonymous says:
Pats steelers giants dallas and niners are no's they have way bigger needs mainly the all have O-line issues pats need some D-L men dallas no way he lasts that long and Philly maybe if they trade up or he falls to them
Submitted: 22:05:25 29-March-2010 Comment: #1321
GChavv says:
Me Andd Earll Are Fromm Da Sameee Townn, Nd I Know Hiimm Veryy Well, He Wudd Like Too Goo Too Dallas Or Saints. But Whatever Teamm He Goes Too, There Defene Will Get Way Better
Submitted: 10:17:31 04-April-2010 Comment: #1425
Anonymous says:
How are the niners a no? With the niners most likely taking care of their RT needs with their 13th pick, their next bet would be getting a DB for their hurting secondary with their 17th pick. Earl Thomas would be a great fit.
Submitted: 15:05:48 15-April-2010 Comment: #1850
jay corrales says:
The miami dolphins are gonna take him.
Submitted: 15:43:17 18-April-2010 Comment: #1966
Terry says:
12th pick, going to the Fins baby! With Sean Smith and Vontae Davis plus this guy, we will be the best Pass D in the league!
