Jakobe Thomas is an aggressive safety who has great instincts. He has work to do with his tackling, something that can be worked on in training camp. His talent as an enforcer in the secondary is balanced with mistakes that pop up due to his mechanics.
Jakobe Thomas 2026 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Safety
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 200 pounds
School: Miami
2026 NFL Draft Jakobe Thomas Scouting Report
Strengths
- Thomas is always around the ball, and his instincts for reading what a quarterback will do and anticipating routes is off the charts.
- He is very aggressive, willing to support in the running game and makes everyone notice with his hard hitting style.
- Thomas played for multiple programs and schemes, giving him the exposure to a variety of pass and run defensive systems.
- Thomas has very good size for a safety – 6’1” and 200 pounds.
- His jumping ability and athleticism give Thomas a big advantage in jump ball situations.
- Thomas fills gaps with ease and stops so many ball carries on the spot.
- Zone coverage is his strength – recognizing routes is what he does best.
- Game film shows Thomas regularly breaking up passes and he could become an interception machine in the pro game with his ability to anticipate routes.
- Thomas contributes everywhere – whether it is in pass coverage, blitzing or in run support.
💥 Ball-hawking thumper
Jakobe Thomas made an immediate impact in his lone season at Miami, elevating the secondary as a hard hitter with elite instincts and a true nose for the football. #BuiltInTheACC
Full Draft Tape 🔗https://t.co/RlCBiQsxOy@CanesFootball |… pic.twitter.com/p36m1hyr2l
— ACC Digital Network (@theACCDN) April 17, 2026
Weaknesses
- He gambles on taking big hits even when simply wrapping up is possible.
- Thomas leaves his feet often and has difficulty taking proper angles on ball carriers and receivers.
- Thomas doesn’t have high end speed, 4.58 time in the 40 yard dash.
- He struggles to recover at the second level when burned by faster receivers.
- Far more comfortable in zone coverage than man, concerns some scouts
- Sharp and precision pass route runners make Thomas look overmatched.
- Thomas misses far too many tackles for a premier safety prospect, nearly 20% of the time.
- Observed on film too often watching quarterback’s eyes and is susceptible to being burned on double moves
- Overpursues too often and is then out of plays
- Quickness is less than ideal, can be a step late particularly more complex passing attacks
- Thomas will come up big in the running game, but his liabilities in the passing game make him a project.
NFL Comparison: Justin Reid / Malik Hooker
Teams With Need At Position: Carolina Panthers Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Kansas City Chiefs Philadelphia Eagles San Francisco 49ers
Projection: Rounds 4-6
Bottom Line on Jakobe Thomas
Thomas likely starts out his career in the safety rotation and will be an absolute beast on their special teams. He has issues with tackling, a big concern for a safety. Cleaning up his tackling and managing his aggressiveness will result into ensuring a spot as a NFL starter. Three teams, Indianapolis Colts Miami Dolphins Philadelphia Eagles are all fits for Thomas, with the Colts and Dolphins rumored to be highly focused on taking Thomas around Round 5.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
