2010 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Earl Thomas

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

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