Earl Thomas (S/CB): Univ. of Texas: My surprise pick at #26.

[Lomax to Green 84]

The other night on Path to the Draft Mike Mayock and Mike Lombardi were talking about guys who were great "football players". Forget measurables and position, just great football players and a guy who came up from both Mayock and Lombardi was Texas defensive back Earl Thomas.

Now this morning I am listening to Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. and once again they are talking about guys that are just really good football players. They mentioned 3 guys (Morgan DE from Georgia Tech), McCourtney (DB from Rutgers) and Earl Thomas. McShay said that a number of teams see Thomas as a cornerback instead of a safety and that is why so many teams are high on him.

During the combine there was a report from Jason LaCanfora (?) that the Cardinals were spending a great deal of time with Earl Thomas. The thought back then was that he was being targeted because he was looked at as a potential replacement for Antrel Rolle. Now that Todd McShay is saying that a number of teams see Thomas as a cornerback, I am wondering even more if Thomas could be their guy.

Smart, tough, versatile, great fooball player, very coachable. Sounds like a Whisenhunt guy to me.

 

[Feeble Mcjackson]

There is no way he falls to #26.

 

[Mitch]

The other night on Path to the Draft Mike Mayock and Mike Lombardi were talking about guys who were great "football players". Forget measurables and position, just great football players and a guy who came up from both Mayock and Lombardi was Texas defensive back Earl Thomas.

Now this morning I am listening to Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. and once again they are talking about guys that are just really good football players. They mentioned 3 guys (Morgan DE from Georgia Tech), McCourtney (DB from Rutgers) and Earl Thomas. McShay said that a number of teams see Thomas as a cornerback instead of a safety and that is why so many teams are high on him.

During the combine there was a report from Jason LaCanfora (?) that the Cardinals were spending a great deal of time with Earl Thomas. The thought back then was that he was being targeted because he was looked at as a potential replacement for Antrel Rolle. Now that Todd McShay is saying that a number of teams see Thomas as a cornerback, I am wondering even more if Thomas could be their guy.

Smart, tough, versatile, great fooball player, very coachable. Sounds like a Whisenhunt guy to me.

Great post, Holian. As a combo CB/nickel FS, Thomas could shine in the NFL. I've been a little more enamored with Devin McCourty because he's a true CB...but Thomas' versatility is intriguing, especially if the Cardinals do not re-sign Matt Ware.

 

[Shogun]

Yes, please.

 

[Buckybird]

I think the trade of Rhodes pretty much kills the idea even if Thomas is available, which I dont see anyway he drops to #26.

I have said all along that Thomas is a Ed Reed in the waiting (I'm a Horns fan) & I'm sure Duckjake would agree with the comparison. Thomas is a pure FS who can play anywhere in the secondary & has great ball skills & barring injury is as safe a 1st rounder there is in this draft.

 

[BigDavis75]

There is no way he falls to #26.

Agreed.

 

[Garthshort]

Extra value, since he can play two positions. If he falls and every year guys fall, he'd be a VG pick. JMO.

 

[Chopper0080]

Nothing surprising about him getting drafted by any team outside of the top 15. He is a turnover machine with the ability to really help our nickel package coverage schemes. Behind McClain and Weatherspoon, this is the guy I want in the first round.

 

[bg7brd]

He won't make it past the Texans.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

He's Mike Mayoch's number one Safety. Just can't imagine him being available at #26.

 

[Duckjake]

I think the trade of Rhodes pretty much kills the idea even if Thomas is available, which I dont see anyway he drops to #26.

I have said all along that Thomas is a Ed Reed in the waiting (I'm a Horns fan) & I'm sure Duckjake would agree with the comparison. Thomas is a pure FS who can play anywhere in the secondary & has great ball skills & barring injury is as safe a 1st rounder there is in this draft.

I've always thought Thomas "looked" too small to be an NFL safety. But I was always so disgusted with Gideon's play at the other safety that I never did pay much attention to Thomas.

I'll never forget the first game the two of them started in 2008. They looked like a couple of kids out playing with their big brothers.