Earl Thomas FS Ourlads All-Rookie Team 2010

Earl Thomas was drafted with the 14th pick in the 1st
round by the Seattle Seahawks. What Ourlads Guide to
the NFL Draft said about Thomas:
Thomas, Earl Texas 5102 208 4.48
Junior entry. Two-year starter with corner skills. Was a redshirt
in 2007. Ability to quickly key and diagnose. Anticipates
with quick reactions. Innate feel for secondary play. Competitive
and aggressive. Gets too wired up at times and will be out of
control. Misses tackles and takes bad angles to ball carrier. Willing to
force coming downhill as a run support safety. Gets caught up in traffic
at times. Cut tackles or whiffs. See Alabama game. Had 8 interceptions
in 2009. Several were thrown right at him if a receiver slipped or the
pass was off target. Loose hipped for smooth turns and acceleration.
Has closing and catch-up speed. Smothers slot receivers. Keeps position
on receiver. Will go for the strip. Has sideline to sideline range. Has an
edge burst to blitz and be disruptive. Can stick his foot in the ground and
drive on the ball. No false steps. Generally takes a direct line to the ball.
Has deep catch-up speed. Good hands to extend for the ball and can
adjust for a difficult interception. Knocks down several catchable balls.
Confident and daring. Will contribute on special teams. Positive
cockiness. Pro Bowl talent. Good athletic skills, but did not finish
several drills at the Combine by his choice. Had 21 reps on the bench
press and a 9-5 broad jump. Career tackles of 149, with 33 passes
broken up, 10 interceptions, and 5 caused fumbles. BTR:left 4.36, right
4.28. OSR:11/21. First round. (A-31 1/4, H-9 3/8, VJ-32, SS-DNP).