This last week in Mobile, Alabama was a big week. The Los Angeles Rams drafted six players from the Senior Bowl last season and according to reports, they took the interviews more seriously than any team this year as well.
One of those interviews included Indiana Tight End, Ian Thomas. Given that McVay likes tight ends, this could make sense.
That being said, today’s draft profile will be on Thomas.
Height: 6’3
Weight: 256-lbs
Unofficial 40-time: 4.67 sec
Strengths
- Has great size and ball skills.
- Very physical and willing to block.
- Runs very clean routes and finds the soft spot in zones.
- Quick feet and good footwork which allows him to gain inside leverage and separate from defenders.
Weaknesses
- Only had one solid year of production.
- 28 career catches at Indiana.
- Missed two games battling various injuries his senior season.
- Had s0me focus drops early on Day one at the Senior Bowl. Given his lack of work at Indiana, this could be concerning. Also could have been nerves.
What They’re Saying
- “If the South’s offensive line is its best position group, tight end would be a close second, with Indiana’s Ian Thomas and Western Kentucky’s Deon Yelder each showcasing the agility and speed to gain separation and making several impressive catches over the week of practice.”
-Rob Rang via NFLDraftScout.com
- “Thomas totaled 25 receptions for 376 yards and five touchdowns. The senior had a coming-out party against Ohio State in the season opener. He ran a great out-and-up route to get open before making a beautiful over-the-shoulder 18-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. Thomas showed excellent hands and concentration to track the ball for the catch. In the third quarter, Thomas made his second touchdown reception, on a short pass to the flat. He totaled five receptions for 53 yards and two touchdowns on the evening.”Indiana was raving about Thomas as a NFL talent even though he made only three receptions for 28 yards as a junior. The senior’s performance against Ohio State gave that opinion some validity.”
How He Fits
Given that the Rams interviewed with three tight ends at the Senior Bowl, it clearly shows that they are looking to get better at the position. Most likely they are hoping for Gerald Everett to be that top guy this season, which would make Thomas the No. 2 or taking over for Derek Carrier at third on the depth chart.
My Thoughts
Thomas is clearly a day three guy. I don’t think you can take a guy with 28 career catches on the first two days. Thomas has a ton of upside which is why he will make a fun sixth or seventh round pick. An NFL team is going to fall in love his his physical traits.
I’m not someone to draft a guy based on those traits, but even with his lack of production, he impressed at the Senior Bowl. As a day three pick, Thomas would make sense as a high-upside guy.
Blaine Grisak is a staff writer for Rams Talk. He currently works in athletic communications for the University of Pennsylvania. For more of his opinions, follow him on Twitter here.
