Shamarko Thomas
Height: 5'9
Weight: 213
School: Syracuse
Position: Safety
Ranking: #6 Safety
Projection: 3rd - 4th Round
Strengths
-Explosive athlete. 2nd best broad jump at combine for DBs
-Makes up for height with great vertical leap (40.5")
-Great speed (4.42 fastest safety) that allows him to fly to the ball
-Able to change directions with ease
-Quickness allows him to stick with slot receivers
-Uses good instincts in blitzing
-Excels in the underneath zone reading QBs eyes
-Violent hitter who makes you pay
-Was used at times as a corner matching up with receivers
-Willing run defender who flies to the ball
-High Energy player which rubs off onto teammates
Weaknesses
-Doesn't have the height and length to match up with tight ends
-Inconsistent tackler. Misses way too many tackles for a safety
-Will take poor angles to the ball
-Concussion issues. Tends to lead with head too often
-Bits too hard on play fakes
-Lacks ball skills, only two career interceptions
Summary
In a year that full of quality safeties, teams are going to be able to get good talent throughout the draft. One of those safeties is Shamarko Thomas from Syracuse. Thomas has a lot to offer teams. He has elite speed and quickness that allow him to react and fly to the ball. He has the ability to cover half of the field or match up in man to man coverage. However his limited size and length are going to make it tough to match up with the tight ends in the league who will be able to bully him with his size. Thomas does have excellent leaping skills, but that won't be enough. Sharmarko is a willing run defender and is going to come with a pop. But he tends to take bad angles and if he can't square up a defender he often misses tackles. Teams may also be scared off with his past concussion issues and his small stature which could lead to increased injuries. Because of that you'll probably see Thomas go somewhere in the third or fourth rounds. But Thomas' ability to play in coverage will make him even more tempting.
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