Originally posted by NYniner85:
Originally posted by genus49:
Originally posted by Willisfn4life:
I have to admit that I've slowly gotten on the Thomas bandwagon. The more and more you picture it, the more a vision of Buckner and Thomas developing into a dynamic duo alongside the dline makes your mouth water a bit. There's been a ton of speculation where Thomas' "tweener" abilities would fit best in this defense. I admit that my problem with young "tweeners" is kind of like Jimmy Ward. They get moved around alot and it can stall their development a bit but I look at a guy like Thomas and I have to agree with you NY, he's a great blue chip prospect, much moreso than Ward was and its hard to pass up on that talent.
I'd be curious if he was drafted what the team itself visualizes for him. Buckner is already a great fit for the 5 tech in this defense. Is Buckner moved inside more permanently even in base and you keep Thomas at the 5 then kick him inside similarly to Michael Bennett? Or does the team ask him to get to around 285 and try him at the three more permanently, even in base and then kick Buckner in?
Overall it would be a good problem to have.
Exactly. DLine is a special beast as a unit. It's probably the one unit that gets subed out the most out of all the other ones. You may have some substitutions at DB but for the most part your starters will see the most snaps, QB, OL all pretty much play their starters all the time. LBers pretty much play starters though obviously get subed out in certain packages but the DL easily has the most guys coming and going whether it's linebackers coming down and rushing or the big run stoppers coming out on obvious passing downs or just guys getting breathers so in the 4th quarter they're not winded as hell.
People say drafting him is a luxury...how can anyone honestly say that given how bad we were on defense last year? Sure it was a group effort but in a 4-3 the DL is key and making assumptions that guys we had last year plus Earl Mitchell will suddenly hold down the fort and become a strong unit moving forward is the perfect way to keep sucking.
There are 0 red flags with Thomas. Only question is where he will play. I have yet to hear anyone give a good reason to be concerned with this kid.
Sure nothing is guaranteed but this kid checks off all the boxes on what makes successful NFL players. I liked him before but the article Phoenix posted about him seeking out a boxer for extra training to help his hands get faster and stronger just made me even that more excited about this kid. Showing that type of initiative and looking to grow as a player and not being complacent is a fantastic trait. It's what makes the good players into great ones.
Lots of guys are content to just be good athletes and think they can get by on that. Some go the extra mile and watch film, lift, listen to their coaches...then there's that extra group who do all that and more. It's not enough and they try to find every competitive edge to improve their game.
How do you say no to that type of player just because you're not sure where he'll play? Let the coaches figure that out. With those physical and mental attributes this kid will succeed wherever he plays on the line.
If people can't think of a legit reason to be concerned about this kid's NFL potential then don't overthink this just because we took Armstead and Buckner back to back.
Yeah, in laymen's terms, I don't think there is any question where these players are best suited for and Thomas is a perfect fit for the 3T (yes, he'll pack on some pounds and strength to become more stout there over the years and play closer to 290-300).
LDE/5T = Stout run defender, can help seal the edge first and foremost, funnel, TFL and modest QB pressures/sacks (Buckner)
NT/1T = Your 3-4 classic NT like Dorsey, Sopoaga, Carter, Wilfork, B. & I.Williams, etc. (Mitchell)
RDT/3T = Your best interior pass rusher who's also stout against the run (Thomas)
LEO = Your best speed edge rusher; he lines up out wide often like Garrett, Miller, Aldon, Ware, etc. (Vacant)
Fans are talking about sub packages. This is a base 4 down DL. That won't change, even in a sub package. The player that is usually sub'd out is the SAM for an extra DB. If anyone will be sub'd out on the DL it will be for additional pass rush like Blair/Armstead in for Mitchell or another strong pass rusher like Frank Clark for Buckner.
Sadly, with 3 first round picks and even with Thomas, we're still missing a true NT and LEO. That's the part that sucks ass.
In fact, we need about 3 true edge rushers for optimal success.
Mitchell can and will play the NT/1T but he's not the wide-bodied plugger who takes up two every down and is impossible to run on (hence why we went after Brandon Williams). And Lynch will start out at LEO most likely b/c he's our best pas rusher but he's no LEO. We're going to have to find some real edge rushers this draft and make it a priority.
But I love you, man!