As you should know by now, our attention has now shifted to the 2016 NFL Draft as it relates to the prospects. From now until the draft takes place, we hope to profile as many draft prospects as we possibly can for you. Most of these player profiles will be centered around prospects the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have interest in.
A breakdown of defensive end Lawrence Thomas.
#8 Lawrence Thomas/DE 6’3/4 286: Michigan State
The Good
– Wide, thick body with a big lower half, good length for frame (33 1/4 inch arms)
– Has strength to hold the point of attack vs the run
– Runs hard to the football on the perimeter, doesn’t give up on plays, admirable hustle
– Versatile, played both end spots (normally strong side) and experience as one and three tech in subpackages
– Shows IQ, will get hands up as a pass rusher to get in the way of throwing lanes and bat down passes
The Bad
– Late off the ball, last guy to fire off the ball and engage
– Extremely limited pass rusher that doesn’t have a defining move, yet alone a secondary one, tries an inside spin but is largely ineffective
– Stuck on blocks vs run and a pass rusher, latter may be partly related to scheme
– Hand use doesn’t exist and has to have a strong punch
– Injury history early in career
Bio
– Two year starter, 27 career starts
– 2015: 38 tackles, 6 pass deflections, 5 TFL, 3 sacks
– Career: 6 career sacks
– Worked as a linebacker in first season, moved to defensive end, then fullback, defensive tackle in 2014, and defensive end in 2015
– Made 7 catches for 78 yards in three starts as a fullback in 2012
– Tore labrum freshman year and suffered lower back injury in 2013
– Served as a punter, running back, and wide receiver, in addition to linebacker in high school
Tape Breakdown
Ten years ago, I think Lawrence Thomas would have had a clear, successful path in the NFL.