2013 NFL Draft: Dallas Thomas Prospect Profile

Nov 24, 2012; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers senior offensive linesman Dallas Thomas (71) before thte game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Tackle Dallas Thomas heads into the 2013 NFL Draft as one of top Offensive Tackle prospects to watch. Thomas is a Guard prospect as well after playing the entire season at Left Guard for the Volunteers. He posses great technique in his pass blocking and has good feet. Which ever team pulls the trigger on this smart football player should have them selves a player for years to come. Below is our detailed scouting report on Dallas Thomas.

Measurables:
– 6’5″ 310 lbs

Strengths:
First of all, I must say Dallas Thomas has one of the most beautiful pass sets I have ever seen in a live game. It looks exactly how coaches teach it on the field and on film. Dallas Thomas is flexible and shows good bend in his knees and hips. Thomas is a lean 310 pounds which is shown when he is out in the open and getting to the second level. And because he is lean he could be able to keep up with the speed rushers on the edge in the NFL. Thomas replaces his hands well while pass blocking and can defend the bull rush. He is a smart football player and understands that communication is a key factor in an offensive lines success. He is seen on film communicating pre snap with the other members of the line, making sure they have all their calls correct and have an ID on the Mike. Thomas would fit into a zone blocking scheme as he is not a premier drive blocker in the run game. He is versatile and can play both guard and tackle at a high level. Thomas played really well at Left Tackle against 2012 second round draft pick Courtney Upshaw in their 2011 match-up.

Weaknesses:
Although thomas is flexible and has good bend in his hips, he doesn’t explode through them when firing out to run block. He is not a drive blocker, so he wouldn’t really fit into a power blocking scheme, especially if he played Guard. To be a difference maker on an NFL roster he would need to work and improve his lower body in the running game (feet, hips, and leg drive). Thomas struggles to sustain blocks, falling off late and allowing his defender to get in on the tackle or clog up the running lane and force the runner outside. He also has poor technique when he pulls. He turns his shoulders and has high pad level. Rather than having his shoulders squared up ready to take on any defender in case he doesn’t make it to his assigned man and staying low for more force on contact.

Projection:
Thomas is projected to be a 2nd round pick in April’s Draft.

Grade: 7.2