2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Cameron Thomas
- Position: Edge Rusher
- School: San Diego State
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 267lbs
Film Watched: San Jose State 2021, UTSA 2021, Utah State 2021
Pro's:
- Lively versatile rusher who operated out of different alignments for the Aztecs
- Excellent burst out of his stance, engaging with blockers earlier than they are comfortable with
- Elite hand usage. Calculated at the point of attack, and strings hand counters together well
- Speed to power transfer is effective and hands show good pop on the pads of blockers
- Able to keep off blocks effectively, and work his hands to edges and force daylight
- Instinctive feel for the pocket, and is quick to adjust to maintain route to the football
- Shows a variety of pass rush moves in his repertoire, and tweaks them for inside/outside alignment
- Forceful tackler who likes the ball carrier to know he’s in for a day of it
- Will hunt down from the backside of plays with speed and intent
Con's:
- Height and size give him a little less fluidity as an outside rusher than you’d like
- True speed at the top of the arc won’t stress blockers reaching their required pass set depth
- Pad level can sneak up on him and he loses leverage
- Lack of core strength brings him issues setting the edge against the run
- Two-gapping could be problematic at the next level – dubious anchor to hold off down blocks
The Verdict:
“A solid producer at San Diego State, Cameron Thomas exploded in his junior year, recording double digit sacks as he consistently found ways to permeate the pocket. A clever rusher with a notable first step and the technique and mental processing to defeat blockers at the point of contact, Thomas has found production easy to come by from a range of positions - against both the run and the pass. The step up to the next level might be a tough one for Thomas, who doesn’t possess elite speed or play strength despite his long frame, meaning finding the correct position in the NFL might be tricky. Some scouts will look at his body and think it can hold more weight, making him an edge setter in a 3-4 with interior pass rushing upside in the subpackage - and the ceiling of a starter by the end of his rookie deal is a reasonable expectation.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: CORY REDDING
PREDICTION: 3RD ROUND PICK
5/5