Thursday, February 21, 2013

Player Profile: Dallas Thomas


Dallas Thomas

Height:  6'5
Weight:  308
School:  Tennessee
Position:  Guard / Tackle
Ranking:  #5 Guard
Projection:  2nd / 3rd Round

Strengths
-Solid height (6'5) and big hands (10 3/8)
-Good frame to add weight
-Experienced.  50 games played in the SEC.  38 starts
-Has played both Left Tackle and Left Guard
-Natural Knee bender
-Good athlete.  Can move latterly and pull effectively.
-Does a great job of setting up in pass pro and mirroring defenders
-Good quickness that allows him to fire off ball
-Plays good angles.  Would be a good fit in a Zone Blocking Scheme
-Uses his hand well and delivers an effective punch
-Good awareness and understanding of his assignments

Weaknesses
-Shorter Arms means he might be a guard only
-Light.  Needs to add weight no matter what position he plays
-Not a great anchor.  Can be pushed back.  Needs to get stronger
-Was moved from Left Tackle to Guard
-Struggles blocking in space.  Whiffs a lot.
-Isn't a overpowering blocker.
-Doesn't always finish his blocks.

Summary
Dallas Thomas is an intriguing prospect.  You have to love his athletic ability and his work in pass protection.  Thomas moves very well and does a great job mirror defenders and keeping them in front of him.  He has a strong punch and uses his hands well to keep defenders at bay.  However Thomas' lack of size and strength make him vulnerable to bull rushes because he lacks a strong anchor.  In run blocking he does a excellent job  of putting himself into the right position, but struggles to move defenders off their spot.  Thomas also does well pulling and getting to the next level, however he struggles mightily in engaging defenders in open space.  He whiffs on most of those blocks which usually end up making the tackle.  Thomas best position will probably be at guard but he'll need to add at least 20 pounds which could help with his strength and anchor. Look for him to go somewhere in the late 2nd round or early 3rd to a team that either runs a zone blocking scheme or is more pass heavy.

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