Overview
Position: Defensive End
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 275 pounds
School: Miami Hurricanes
Chad Thomas 2018 NFL Draft Profile
Coming out of high school, Chad Thomas was a five-star defensive end out of Booker T Washington High School in Miami, Florida. Thomas was the 25th ranked recruit and third-ranked defensive end in the country. He committed to Miami on July 20, 2013, picking the Hurricanes over Florida State and Alabama. Thomas got a lot of playing time as a true freshman as he played in 12 games. His finished his freshman season with seven tackles and one tackle for loss. Against Cincinnati, Thomas had a season high in tackles with three. Thomas also had his first career tackle for loss in the Duck Commander Independence Bowl against South Carolina.
As a sophomore, Thomas started in eight of the Canes’ 13 games. He totaled 18 tackles on the season with a forced fumble against the FAU Owls. Thomas also had his first career sack against Virginia Tech. As a junior, Thomas played and started in all 12 games. He finished his junior season with 37 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Thomas finished second in sacks for the Canes. He also had one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in Russell Athletic Bowl victory over West Virginia. In his senior season at Miami, Thomas was the team’s top defensive lineman. He played and started all thirteen games. He totaled 41 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Thomas had a season-high seven tackles in the ACC Championship loss to Clemson.
Strengths
- Good speed
- Special talent
- Athletic
- Good hands
- Very active
- Can really set the edge
- Can also rush from the inside
- Playmaker
- Very quick
Weaknesses
- Lacks instincts
- Not great against the run
- Inconsistent
- Lacks a great motor
- May not be really committed to football with his music career
NFL Comparison: Kareem Martin
Teams With Need at Position: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers
Projection: Second to fourth round
Bottom Line
Thomas will most likely end up being a pretty solid defensive lineman. When he was at Miami, he was very productive but inconsistent. He has great size and speed to really put some pressure on the quarterback but struggles against the run. Nonetheless, Thomas should get a lot of playing time as a rookie by whoever drafts him. He is physical and aggressive enough to really make some big plays. Thomas should have a successful career in the NFL and be an asset to whoever drafts him. That said, his music career could cut his time in the league short knowing he has music to fall back on.
