pyrodolphan
Hogs and Fins
Donald Thomas... OG... Conn... :err:
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- Thread starter pyrodolphan
- Start date
Roman529
Moon Runner / The 3 AM Crew
They said he was first team all Big East.....kind of like being the best hockey player in Mexico. :foundout:
pyrodolphan
Hogs and Fins
Haha :up:
XXXSURTAINXXX
THE SACRIFICIAL DOLPHIN
You are going to love this pick before preseason I bet you. This guy is the most athletic guard in this draft.
pyrodolphan
Hogs and Fins
I dont doubt that, but we are staring at the last 3 picks in the draft with Ginn and Wilford as our starting WRs, Martin as our TE, and no CBs picked yet.
Going with a Bowman, or Arrington, or Monk or Zenon would have been better with this pick. Not bc it is sexy or flashy, we NEED recievers for competition in camp. We need depth and athletic Cbs in our Defensive backfield. Using 5 picks on the lines is fine, but you cant ignore other glaring needs on our team.
Btw, Fasano isnt a top flight recieveing TE which is a young QB's (Beck or Henne) best friend.
Going with a Bowman, or Arrington, or Monk or Zenon would have been better with this pick. Not bc it is sexy or flashy, we NEED recievers for competition in camp. We need depth and athletic Cbs in our Defensive backfield. Using 5 picks on the lines is fine, but you cant ignore other glaring needs on our team.
Btw, Fasano isnt a top flight recieveing TE which is a young QB's (Beck or Henne) best friend.
pyrodolphan
Hogs and Fins
Analysis
Positives: Has an athletic-looking, muscular upper body frame with a firm midsection, long arms and room to carry at least another 20 pounds of bulk without the added weight impacting his impressive timed speed...Naturally intelligent in the classroom, but needs to continue to work on improving his overall field alertness...A mauler with a mean streak on the field, he works to finish and generates good initial pop on contact when he keeps his hands working inside his frame...Inconsistent with his technique, but has the strong hand punch to shock and jolt a bull rusher...Shows better recovery ability in pass protection than when playing into the second level...Improved his base (wider now) and knee bend, as he shows the slide and adjustment skills to move side to side, despite having stiff hips...Can get on a defender quickly when he keeps his pads low and attacks with hands on the rise in attempts to explode off the snap...Has started to develop that "killer mentality" needed in his first step, as he has the upper body strength to get movement off the snap when he doesn't get too erect in his stance...Uses his bulk well in attempts to sustain...When he comes off the snap at a good pad level, he has good success in driving his man down and out of the play...Has good patience on the short pull, but balance issues (gets too narrow in his base) make him a bit of a liability on long runs...When he plays on his toes, he will fall off blocks, but when he stands flat-footed he is very capable of locking on and controlling the defender with his upper body strength...In pass protection, he made marked improvement as a senior, showing the ability to flash good lock-out strength, hip sink and slide...If he can continue to improve his hand quickness and punch, he could be a better fit as a center...Doesn't always move his feet and will lean into the opponent, but when he plays flat-footed, he has much better success adjusting to stunts (needs to improve footwork still)...Seemed to be playing with much better field vision late in his senior year and when he saw things happening in front of him, he was much better moving his feet to react and adjust (also was much more alert to picking up stunts)...Has learned the concept for taking proper angles when asked to block in space...Good contact seeker on the move, but must improve his balance...Shuffles his feet well and has a smooth kick slide to get back and protect the pocket...Like Washington's Randy Thomas, he plays bigger than his size indicates, becoming more confident in his athletic ability to become more dominant as a pass protector (works hard to protect the quarterback, especially from backside action).
Negatives: Has a very under-developed lower body frame and smaller-than-ideal hands...Despite good timed speed, he is inconsistent with his initial quickness, as he tends to get a bit narrow in his base, limiting his suddenness when attempting to get out in front on pulls and traps...Has a good straight-forward surge, but his balance is just adequate on the move, as he appears to be too stiff in his hips to change direction or redirect when working into the second level...Has improved his hand placement and punch, but still needs to work on improving shooting his hands quicker, as he sometimes lets his hands get outside the frame, leaving his chest exposed for defenders to get into his body...Must learn how to play with pain, as he is known to pull himself out of games with minor injuries rather than playing through...Not as alert to twists and games as most offensive guards, but has shown slight improvement in 2007 (still needs to play with netter awareness and vision)...Has worked hard to improve his adequate lower body strength, but he will get into a rhythm where he tries to compensate for his lower frame deficiencies by leaning into, lunging and attempting to out-muscle opponents with his upper body power...His ability to adjust in space is only adequate, as he possesses marginal flexibility to adjust at the second level...A stout pass-blocker, but struggles to redirect...Has a punch, but uses poor hand placement and lacks good hand quickness...Possesses only adequate foot quickness to slide-step and while he improved in 2007, he does not have the leg drive to create movement, especially in short-yardage situations...Better attacking defenders at the line of scrimmage, as he is slow to locate opponents on the move.
Compares To: RANDY THOMAS-Washington...Donald Thomas has surprisingly good timed speed for a player his size, but lacks the suddenness out of his stance or the quickness to get out in front on traps and pulls on a consistent basis. He worked hard at improving his hand punch and placement as a senior, but because of a lack of lower body strength he will lunge or lean into a defender in attempts to use his upper body power to compensate. He has moved around quite a bit since arriving on campus, failing to crack the starting lineup full-time until his senior season. He needs to stay on the field more, as he is the first to head to the sidelines with a minor injury. There is enough athletic ability to work with, but you have to question if 2007 was a fluke or if the light finally went on upstairs.
Injury Report
2007: Helped off the field with a shoulder contusion in the second quarter vs. Pittsburgh (9/22)...Left the Louisville game (10/19) in the first quarter, when he re-injured his shoulder.
2008: Suffered a knee sprain during practices for the Hula Bowl.
Positives: Has an athletic-looking, muscular upper body frame with a firm midsection, long arms and room to carry at least another 20 pounds of bulk without the added weight impacting his impressive timed speed...Naturally intelligent in the classroom, but needs to continue to work on improving his overall field alertness...A mauler with a mean streak on the field, he works to finish and generates good initial pop on contact when he keeps his hands working inside his frame...Inconsistent with his technique, but has the strong hand punch to shock and jolt a bull rusher...Shows better recovery ability in pass protection than when playing into the second level...Improved his base (wider now) and knee bend, as he shows the slide and adjustment skills to move side to side, despite having stiff hips...Can get on a defender quickly when he keeps his pads low and attacks with hands on the rise in attempts to explode off the snap...Has started to develop that "killer mentality" needed in his first step, as he has the upper body strength to get movement off the snap when he doesn't get too erect in his stance...Uses his bulk well in attempts to sustain...When he comes off the snap at a good pad level, he has good success in driving his man down and out of the play...Has good patience on the short pull, but balance issues (gets too narrow in his base) make him a bit of a liability on long runs...When he plays on his toes, he will fall off blocks, but when he stands flat-footed he is very capable of locking on and controlling the defender with his upper body strength...In pass protection, he made marked improvement as a senior, showing the ability to flash good lock-out strength, hip sink and slide...If he can continue to improve his hand quickness and punch, he could be a better fit as a center...Doesn't always move his feet and will lean into the opponent, but when he plays flat-footed, he has much better success adjusting to stunts (needs to improve footwork still)...Seemed to be playing with much better field vision late in his senior year and when he saw things happening in front of him, he was much better moving his feet to react and adjust (also was much more alert to picking up stunts)...Has learned the concept for taking proper angles when asked to block in space...Good contact seeker on the move, but must improve his balance...Shuffles his feet well and has a smooth kick slide to get back and protect the pocket...Like Washington's Randy Thomas, he plays bigger than his size indicates, becoming more confident in his athletic ability to become more dominant as a pass protector (works hard to protect the quarterback, especially from backside action).
Negatives: Has a very under-developed lower body frame and smaller-than-ideal hands...Despite good timed speed, he is inconsistent with his initial quickness, as he tends to get a bit narrow in his base, limiting his suddenness when attempting to get out in front on pulls and traps...Has a good straight-forward surge, but his balance is just adequate on the move, as he appears to be too stiff in his hips to change direction or redirect when working into the second level...Has improved his hand placement and punch, but still needs to work on improving shooting his hands quicker, as he sometimes lets his hands get outside the frame, leaving his chest exposed for defenders to get into his body...Must learn how to play with pain, as he is known to pull himself out of games with minor injuries rather than playing through...Not as alert to twists and games as most offensive guards, but has shown slight improvement in 2007 (still needs to play with netter awareness and vision)...Has worked hard to improve his adequate lower body strength, but he will get into a rhythm where he tries to compensate for his lower frame deficiencies by leaning into, lunging and attempting to out-muscle opponents with his upper body power...His ability to adjust in space is only adequate, as he possesses marginal flexibility to adjust at the second level...A stout pass-blocker, but struggles to redirect...Has a punch, but uses poor hand placement and lacks good hand quickness...Possesses only adequate foot quickness to slide-step and while he improved in 2007, he does not have the leg drive to create movement, especially in short-yardage situations...Better attacking defenders at the line of scrimmage, as he is slow to locate opponents on the move.
Compares To: RANDY THOMAS-Washington...Donald Thomas has surprisingly good timed speed for a player his size, but lacks the suddenness out of his stance or the quickness to get out in front on traps and pulls on a consistent basis. He worked hard at improving his hand punch and placement as a senior, but because of a lack of lower body strength he will lunge or lean into a defender in attempts to use his upper body power to compensate. He has moved around quite a bit since arriving on campus, failing to crack the starting lineup full-time until his senior season. He needs to stay on the field more, as he is the first to head to the sidelines with a minor injury. There is enough athletic ability to work with, but you have to question if 2007 was a fluke or if the light finally went on upstairs.
Injury Report
2007: Helped off the field with a shoulder contusion in the second quarter vs. Pittsburgh (9/22)...Left the Louisville game (10/19) in the first quarter, when he re-injured his shoulder.
2008: Suffered a knee sprain during practices for the Hula Bowl.
http://www.nfldraft.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?sport=1&player=38854&type=scoutingreport#scouting
*2nd fastest lineman at the combine running a 5.00 forty !! He had the fastest 10 yard split of ANY lineman at the combine.. That's #1 for ALL offensive lineman at a time of 1.72..
The Good: This former walk-on is very quick off the ball and explodes into his blocks. Thomas has a quick, strong hand punch that gives him an advantage and allows him to use his fine physical talents to carry out assignments. He has the athletic ability and strength to continue to progress as an NFL lineman.
The Bad: Thomas has ability, but he is a raw, developing lineman with limited experience. He only started from his late-junior season on at Connecticut. He needs overall strength work, especially in the lower unit where he is barely adequate.
Outlook: Thomas is a borderline top 200 prospect who will likely fall to the late second day of the draft based on potential and limited playing time. He is a possible NFL starter, but Thomas must continue to improve and develop with experience to take advantage of his impressive athleticism.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/donald-thomas?id=844
Overview One of the more intriguing guard prospects in the 2008 draft, Thomas' stock skyrocketed this season as he finally turned his athletic potential into on-the-field production. A rare athlete for the position, Thomas is well built and flashes explosiveness and nastiness in his blocking. Thomas' star is on the rise after impressive performances at the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Game.
High School Lettered three times in football, playing both as a defensive lineman and a tight end...Recorded six sacks his junior year...A versatile athlete who earned a total of 10 varsity letters, including three as a center in basketball and four more as a pitcher and first baseman in baseball...An All-Division baseball player and was also named the SEC's Player of the Week once as a senior in basketball...Member of the National Honor Society.
Thomas Shines at Combine
http://www.uconnhuskies.com/AllStories/MFootball/2008/02/26/20080226a.html
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (February 26, 2008) - Former Huskies Tyvon Branch and Donald Thomas represented the University of Connecticut football program with pride this past week at the annual NFL Scouting Combine at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Branch tested on Tuesday along with the rest of the defensive backs in attendance. The Cicero, N.Y. native ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds, the fastest time of the day and tied for the second-fastest time overall at the entire week-long combine. Only running back Chris Johnson of East Carolina ran faster, clocking in at 4.24 seconds. Branch also tied for fifth amongst cornerbacks in the bench press with 19 reps.
Branch also impressed scouts during the 2008 Hula Bowl week in Honolulu last month. Thomas also played in the Hula Bowl. After the game he flew to Houston to also participate in the annual East-West Shrine Bowl.
On
Saturday, Donald Thomas stacked up favorably against his fellow draft-eligible offensive linemen.
The West Haven, Conn. native was second amongst offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (5.00 seconds). He also tied for 12th in the bench press with 28 reps and was fifth in the 3-cone drill with a time of 7.45 seconds. Perhaps more importantly for an offensive lineman, Thomas’s 40-yard dash included the combine’s fastest 10-yard split (1.72 seconds) and the third-best 20-yard split (2.89 seconds) amongst offensive linemen.
In addition to the measured tests like those above and having their physical measurements taken, prospects also perform on-field individual position group drills for the benefit of general managers, head coaches and scouts, the results of which are far more subjective. Prospects also take a Wonderlic aptitude test, a Cybex test, have injuries evaluated and are often individually interviewed by interested NFL franchises.
The 2008 NFL Draft will be held April 26-27 in New York City
*2nd fastest lineman at the combine running a 5.00 forty !! He had the fastest 10 yard split of ANY lineman at the combine.. That's #1 for ALL offensive lineman at a time of 1.72..
The Good: This former walk-on is very quick off the ball and explodes into his blocks. Thomas has a quick, strong hand punch that gives him an advantage and allows him to use his fine physical talents to carry out assignments. He has the athletic ability and strength to continue to progress as an NFL lineman.
The Bad: Thomas has ability, but he is a raw, developing lineman with limited experience. He only started from his late-junior season on at Connecticut. He needs overall strength work, especially in the lower unit where he is barely adequate.
Outlook: Thomas is a borderline top 200 prospect who will likely fall to the late second day of the draft based on potential and limited playing time. He is a possible NFL starter, but Thomas must continue to improve and develop with experience to take advantage of his impressive athleticism.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/donald-thomas?id=844
Overview One of the more intriguing guard prospects in the 2008 draft, Thomas' stock skyrocketed this season as he finally turned his athletic potential into on-the-field production. A rare athlete for the position, Thomas is well built and flashes explosiveness and nastiness in his blocking. Thomas' star is on the rise after impressive performances at the Hula Bowl and East-West Shrine Game.
High School Lettered three times in football, playing both as a defensive lineman and a tight end...Recorded six sacks his junior year...A versatile athlete who earned a total of 10 varsity letters, including three as a center in basketball and four more as a pitcher and first baseman in baseball...An All-Division baseball player and was also named the SEC's Player of the Week once as a senior in basketball...Member of the National Honor Society.
Thomas Shines at Combine
http://www.uconnhuskies.com/AllStories/MFootball/2008/02/26/20080226a.html
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (February 26, 2008) - Former Huskies Tyvon Branch and Donald Thomas represented the University of Connecticut football program with pride this past week at the annual NFL Scouting Combine at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Branch tested on Tuesday along with the rest of the defensive backs in attendance. The Cicero, N.Y. native ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds, the fastest time of the day and tied for the second-fastest time overall at the entire week-long combine. Only running back Chris Johnson of East Carolina ran faster, clocking in at 4.24 seconds. Branch also tied for fifth amongst cornerbacks in the bench press with 19 reps.
Branch also impressed scouts during the 2008 Hula Bowl week in Honolulu last month. Thomas also played in the Hula Bowl. After the game he flew to Houston to also participate in the annual East-West Shrine Bowl.
Saturday, Donald Thomas stacked up favorably against his fellow draft-eligible offensive linemen.
The West Haven, Conn. native was second amongst offensive linemen in the 40-yard dash (5.00 seconds). He also tied for 12th in the bench press with 28 reps and was fifth in the 3-cone drill with a time of 7.45 seconds. Perhaps more importantly for an offensive lineman, Thomas’s 40-yard dash included the combine’s fastest 10-yard split (1.72 seconds) and the third-best 20-yard split (2.89 seconds) amongst offensive linemen.
In addition to the measured tests like those above and having their physical measurements taken, prospects also perform on-field individual position group drills for the benefit of general managers, head coaches and scouts, the results of which are far more subjective. Prospects also take a Wonderlic aptitude test, a Cybex test, have injuries evaluated and are often individually interviewed by interested NFL franchises.
The 2008 NFL Draft will be held April 26-27 in New York City
Straztheman
☠️ Banned ☠️
Well that's good to hear.
Straztheman
☠️ Banned ☠️
With the way this offensive line has played in recent years, drafting a couple lineman is not a bad thing at all. You can never have too many good offensive/defensive lineman.
Crazysimon
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You are completely Correct, we have Ginn as our #1 reciever.... what the hell. This second day is horrible. Every pick has been more unexpected than the previous. BP must have forget there was a second day of drafting, and is just winging it right now. He forgot to take a look at the Depth Chart
Gotta love the comments on Thomas...
"Pick Analysis:A walk-on discovered on campus working out in the gym, Thomas only got 14 starts in college, but he has excellent measurables and great size. He is a practice squad player right now and at best will probably see the field around 2010. He does have athleticism and can be turned into a valuable guard down the road with patience."
:rolleyes2:
"Pick Analysis:A walk-on discovered on campus working out in the gym, Thomas only got 14 starts in college, but he has excellent measurables and great size. He is a practice squad player right now and at best will probably see the field around 2010. He does have athleticism and can be turned into a valuable guard down the road with patience."
:rolleyes2:
Hes going to turn out to be like Alabi and be off the team in a few years IMO.
miamiron
Active Roster
Ms.Cleo returns:rolleyes2:
i'm sure bp forgot.unexpected to who?you.lol