Draft Talk: Let's look at 1-7 and DL possibilities

[Manos]

I just worry about Thomas future in the NFL because I don't see a freak athlete and every single dominant pass rusher in NFL history I can think of was a freak time athlete. Either they had insane first steps and quickness, or they were big/long guys or both. And Thomas is none of those things. He is a small(by NFL standards) and relies on power and technique. That can work in college but much harder to be successful in the NFL that way. His ceiling is probably CJ and while CJ was a decent player he was a third round pick and never lived up to his giant contract. Taking someone with CJs talent and career projection at 8 seems like a waste. Now I'm not a scout so maybe I am way off on what his skill set/ability is but that is what I see with him.

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[JawnyBlaze]

21 minutes ago, Manos said:

I just worry about Thomas future in the NFL because I don't see a freak athlete and every single dominant pass rusher in NFL history I can think of was a freak time athlete. Either they had insane first steps and quickness, or they were big/long guys or both. And Thomas is none of those things. He is a small(by NFL standards) and relies on power and technique. That can work in college but much harder to be successful in the NFL that way. His ceiling is probably CJ and while CJ was a decent player he was a third round pick and never lived up to his giant contract. Taking someone with CJs talent and career projection at 8 seems like a waste. Now I'm not a scout so maybe I am way off on what his skill set/ability is but that is what I see with him.

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CJ was a 10+ sacks a year guy for a while and he was none of those things and the same size as Thomas.  Only injuries have slowed him from still being that guy.  If anything Thomas looks a bit stronger than CJ. 

[Soul Rebel]

I'm more of a Barnett over Thomas fan, but that's just personal preference. I think they are on pretty equal ground and will both elevate our defense. 

Thomas might seem like more of a DG/Panthers kind of selection because, IMO, he can kick inside in sub packages if need be with his frame and skills. I think combine and pro days will solidify where both of these DEs slot in the draft. I've seen Thomas in the top-5 in a couple of mocks as well. 

I just prefer Barnett's ceiling at 20 years old and production while at UT more than Thomas.  If Thomas is the better player and value at 8, then I think we should take him.  The big 4 of Allen, Adams, Fournette and Hooker all have to be off the board for me as well. 

 

[Manos]

Did you not see the video above?

How does he NOT have quickness and speed? Thomas was able to chase down RBs with a step on him. 

And 6-3, 273 lbs is small in NFL? Since when? I guess Star is a freaking midget then. 

Size on the DL is constantly overrated. 

If he was a DT prospect I wouldn't have a problem with his size, but as a DE it's a different issue. When the guys you are going against on a play by play basis have arms that are 2-4 inches longer that yours it makes your job much harder.

And in terms of quickness he lacks explosiveness not overall agility or speed. He is going to have trouble as an edge rusher. The reason smaller guys like Robert Mathis/Dwight Freeney were successful is because how fast they got off at the snap.

Thomas isn't that kind of quick twitch athlete they were. He is much closer to CJ in terms of athleticism. And CJ has been a solid player but not a great one and I just don't see the logic in drafting CJ 2.0 8 overall.

If we were picking bottom first then Thomas would likely be a fine value pick but top 8 isn't where you should be looking for ok/good players, you should be finding pro bowlers in the top 8.

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[Ivan The Awesome]

These teams before us, some of them are QB needy teams. I have a feeling they will draft a QB. Cleveland is still in the run for a QB Depending on what they do in FA. I wouldn't count them out for taking a QB. San Fran is also in the mix. I wouldn't count them out either. Then you have Chicago, cutler could be on his way out, you never know, Foxy may actually go against what he does so well and pull the trigger. 

 

Any of those teams picking a QB just shifts better talent our direction. We're in a good spot. Although I much would have rather been pick 7. 

[Manos]

That's a double edged sword. If a speed rusher can't get that first step going then he's a non-factor. Why? Because they're not strong enough and/or don't have the hands to fend off an OT (see Delaire). Thomas has the hands and strength to do so. That's the difference. He's not a twitchy athlete getting off the LOS but that's not essential as a DE. 

No, lol, he's not closer to CJ in terms of athleticism. You calling him CJ 2.0 is a little misguided. Thomas is much more athletic.

The biggest advantages Thomas has over OGs and OTs are his hands, hips, and ability disrupt lower center of gravity. Notice how blockers can't seem to hold onto Thomas. He either slips through the gap like a RB/LB, or he's able to strip off a block and attack the ball handler. That isn't on accident. Solomon has great agility for a guy who is almost 280 lbs and his violent hands prevent him from being controlled.

Nothing about Thomas is just 'ok' or average. He's a pass rusher who can play multiple positions on the DL and possesses a relentless motor. 

I guess we will have to agree to disagree because I just don't see a top 10 talent in Thomas. I see a late first/early second type guy who will only shine if he is paired with other elite DL talent so his job is basically just playing cleanup to the pressure they supply while being fundamentally sound and not doing anything to hurt the team. A solid player but not elite.

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