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General manager Les Snead tends to evaluate safety NFL draft prospects well. It almost seems like a tradition for the Rams to draft, develop and send off safeties to new teams with huge contracts. If you don’t believe me just ask T.J. McDonald, Rodney McLeod and now Lamarcus Joyner.
I’d be stunned to see Joyner back next season. That said, the Rams will need to find a replacement. Expect the Rams to take a hard look in the 2019 NFL Draft for a guy like Juan Thornhill.
College stats and honors:
2018: 98 tackles, 6 interceptions and 7 pass deflections.
Career: 208 tackles, 13 interceptions and 26 pass deflections.
Honors: All-ACC First Team (2018), All-ACC Third Team (2017).
Strengths:
Thornhill did play cornerback and safety but saw more success at safety. He would likely continue to play free safety in the NFL, but can serve as a cornerback in a pinch. His versatility stems from his speed and using that to keep up with receivers. This kind of explosive speed is perfect for covering the middle of the field. His lengthy 6-foot frame is capable of matching up with taller TE/WR threats in the end zone or at midfield. Thornhill’s tape with the Cavaliers shows his natural ability in coverage, and is exceptional with timing.
Tackling is an underrated aspect of Thornhill’s game. He may not be the hardest hitter in the 2019 draft class, but he can bring the pain when asked to. Virginia underutilized him in blitz packages, which is disappointing because his speed can do major damage. Wade Phillips could likely elevate his potential and make him even more dangerous.
Weaknesses:
Aggressive coverage in the NFL is more exciting and appreciated, but can backfire against skilled receivers. Double moves are common in the NFL, but he did have some tape where he got beat because of pressing too close. Speedier receivers may be an issue due to his one-track speed. In other words, stop-and-go routes will be hard for Thornhill to cover. Thornhill is capable of playing cornerback, but he shouldn’t play too much at that position on the NFL level.
Expected draft round:
Thornhill is exactly the replacement the Rams need for Lamarcus Joyner. He doesn’t receive the notoriety he deserves coming from a conference like the ACC. He’s one to keep an eye out for during the upcoming 2019 NFL Combine. Currently, he’s expected to go in the first or second round. I’d be fine with the Rams using their 31st overall pick or possibly trading up into the second round if still available.
Source: Sports-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
2019, 2019 NFL Draft, ACC, featured, Juan Thornhill, la rams, Lamarcus Joyner, Les Snead, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Rams, nfl draft, rams, University of Virginia, Virginia, Virginia Cavaliers, Wade Phillips
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General manager Les Snead tends to evaluate safety NFL draft prospects well. It almost seems like a tradition for the Rams to draft, develop and send off safeties to new teams with huge contracts. If you don’t believe me just ask T.J. McDonald, Rodney McLeod and now Lamarcus Joyner.
I’d be stunned to see Joyner back next season. That said, the Rams will need to find a replacement. Expect the Rams to take a hard look in the 2019 NFL Draft for a guy like Juan Thornhill.
College stats and honors:
2018: 98 tackles, 6 interceptions and 7 pass deflections.
Career: 208 tackles, 13 interceptions and 26 pass deflections.
Honors: All-ACC First Team (2018), All-ACC Third Team (2017).
Strengths:
Thornhill did play cornerback and safety but saw more success at safety. He would likely continue to play free safety in the NFL, but can serve as a cornerback in a pinch. His versatility stems from his speed and using that to keep up with receivers. This kind of explosive speed is perfect for covering the middle of the field. His lengthy 6-foot frame is capable of matching up with taller TE/WR threats in the end zone or at midfield. Thornhill’s tape with the Cavaliers shows his natural ability in coverage, and is exceptional with timing.
Tackling is an underrated aspect of Thornhill’s game. He may not be the hardest hitter in the 2019 draft class, but he can bring the pain when asked to. Virginia underutilized him in blitz packages, which is disappointing because his speed can do major damage. Wade Phillips could likely elevate his potential and make him even more dangerous.
Weaknesses:
Aggressive coverage in the NFL is more exciting and appreciated, but can backfire against skilled receivers. Double moves are common in the NFL, but he did have some tape where he got beat because of pressing too close. Speedier receivers may be an issue due to his one-track speed. In other words, stop-and-go routes will be hard for Thornhill to cover. Thornhill is capable of playing cornerback, but he shouldn’t play too much at that position on the NFL level.
Expected draft round:
Thornhill is exactly the replacement the Rams need for Lamarcus Joyner. He doesn’t receive the notoriety he deserves coming from a conference like the ACC. He’s one to keep an eye out for during the upcoming 2019 NFL Combine. Currently, he’s expected to go in the first or second round. I’d be fine with the Rams using their 31st overall pick or possibly trading up into the second round if still available.
Source: Sports-reference.com
You can follow Johnny Gomez on Twitter @Johnny5not6. Be sure to follow Rams Talk on Twitter @TalkRams.
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