2010 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Earl Thomas

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Strengths:
  • Highly productive and consistent
  • Centerfielder with great range
  • Eats space quickly
  • Very good recovery speed and acceleration
  • Nice all-around athlete
  • Sure tackler in run support
  • Love his instincts
  • Doesn't let play get behind him
  • Takes solid angles
  • Ballhawk - great on pursuit INTs
  • Does a good job of reading QB's eyes
  • Low, smooth backpedal
  • Has nice route recognition
  • Quick hips
  • Great in man coverage
  • Playmaker
  • High ceiling



    Weaknesses:
  • Occasionally gets out of control; goes for big hit
  • Smaller player - will his body hold up in pros?
  • Late in run diagnosage
  • Will have limitations in run support at next level

    Summary: Earl Thomas is the kind of football player you just love to watch on tape. You fall in love with his speed, athleticism and instincts, but some teams might be scared of his small frame, which really seems to be the only thing holding him back from being a top-10 draft pick. Thomas projects as a free safety in the NFL and seems to be too good to fall out of the top 25 picks.

    Player Comparison: Reggie Nelson. Despite his inconsistencies with the Jags, Nelson displays outstanding range and is a ballhawk free safety. Thomas is obviously has a somewhat smaller body frame.



    RELATED LINKS:


    2010 NFL Mock Draft: Matt's | Walt's


    2010 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2010 NFL Draft Scouting Reports