Xavier Thomas NFL Draft Overview
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’2” (Verified)
Weight: 244 lbs (Verified)
School: Clemson
2024 NFL Draft: Xavier Thomas Scouting Report
Clemson defensive lineman Xavier Thomas is a rare case in the transfer portal era. Not only is he a former five-star who stayed in school for six years; he stayed at the same school for all six seasons. Thomas was a highly-rated recruit in 2018, the same class that brought Trevor Lawrence to Clemson. Thomas almost declared for the draft earlier, but an injury derailed his 2022 season. He returned to Clemson for his sixth and final season and appeared in 12 games, totaling three sacks and four tackles for loss. Teams in the NFL will never stop valuing players who can get after the quarterback.
Florida State had to chip Xavier Thomas quite often. You can see fight through the chip and turn the corner on the RT and chase down Jordan Travis. pic.twitter.com/vB2k5iz0J2
— BOLTS Draft Talk (@BoltsDraftTalk) April 4, 2024
Thomas never saw elite production at Clemson, but the flashes were always there. He has great speed and burst off the edge, paired with a never-ending motor. Those traits paired together mean that Thomas has the potential to post significant backfield production at the NFL level. He may not be an every-down player at the next level, but he certainly has the ability to be a situational pass rusher. His value as a pass rusher gives him a floor of the fifth round.
Strengths
- Incredible athlete and put it on display at the combine
- Great burst off the snap
- Fluid mover with oily hips to drop into coverage occasionally
- Motor that simply does not quit
- Has some bend to him as a pass rusher
Weaknesses
- Older prospect was a 2018 recruit
- Will turn 25 during his rookie year
- 2022 broken foot cost him all but three games
- Not ideal size
- Below 25th percentile in height, weight, wingspan, and arm length
- Struggles to hold the point of attack
- Not consistent at setting the edge as a run-defender
- Not a powerful player
- Not much power in the legs or leg drive
- Lack of elite production at the college level
Projection: Early to Mid Day-Three Pick
Best Fits: Los Angeles Rams, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles
Bottom Line on Xavier Thomas
Drafting role players has become a lost art. Far too many teams overinvest on high-ceiling, low-floor players on day three of the draft. It’s understandable given that picks are merely throwing darts at a board. However, there are players sitting there that can contribute for teams right away. Many coaches are simply looking for a guy who can play a role and be on the field for less than 20 snaps. One of those players is Xavier Thomas. His future in the NFL comes as a designated pass rusher. There’s nothing wrong with playing a role. Role players contribute to championships.
This long arm from Xavier Thomas is NASTY. Insubordinate & churlish
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) April 9, 2024
Is there a world where Xavier Thomas becomes an every-down edge defender at the next level? It’s possible, but unlikely. Thomas’ best chance at becoming a player who is still in the NFL eight years from now comes as a specialist. Thomas has the burst, athleticism, and relentless motor to be a fantastic designated pass rusher. A team that takes Thomas should be looking to bring him in on third down and in specific packages. He lacks the lower body strength and size to be a true run defender at the NFL level. Using his athleticism and pass-rush ability is how he is going to get on the field in the pros.
Main Image: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Unio / USA TODAY NETWORK
