NFL Draft Profile: Isaiah Thomas, Defensive End, Oklahoma Sooners

NFL draft profile scouting report for Oklahoma defensive end, Isaiah Thomas

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#95
Pos: RB
Ht: 6047
Wt: 266
Hand: 0978
Arm: 3328
Wing: 7938
40: 4.70
Bench: 23
Vertical: 31.5
Broad Jump: 0909
DOB: 12/3/_
Eligible: 2022
Tulsa, OK
Memorial High School

Isaiah Thomas
Oklahoma Sooners

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Pros:

One of Oklahoma’s breakout stars from 2020 once again established himself as a legitimate NFL Draft prospect with a strong 2021 campaign. Isaiah Thomas was an impact player at one-tech, nine-tech and everywhere in between along the Sooners’ defensive front. Thomas’s linear athletic profile gives him the versatility to rush the inside or outside track and makes him disruptive as a gap shooter, penetrator and run defender. He has solid downhill closing speed and decent lateral burst. When he wins leverage at engagement, Thomas threatens a long-arm bull rush. At times, the Sooners’ standout works through half-man engagement. He exhibits the upper body strength to bench press and the length to manage distance. He sometimes occupies blockers in the run game and has the length to tackle through contact. The Oklahoma native’s best trait is his pass-rush technique. Thomas keeps his chest clear by feinting to bait linemen into premature hand moves. Likewise, he sets up his rushes with body language and jab steps to force blockers into false steps and poor weight distribution. The Sooner thrives when redirecting offensive linemen with swim moves. Moreover, he flashes the motor to work through the whistle. He gets his hands into passing lanes at the line. Coaches speak highly of him. 

Cons:

Despite his strong career at Oklahoma, the Sooners’ star’s draft profile has several holes in it. First and foremost, NFL teams will need to come to terms with his off-field concerns. Thomas was arrested for petty larceny in Norman, Oklahoma and subsequently failed to appear in court; he was also charged with a DWI in Cleveland, Ohio. Moreover, Thomas exhibits underwhelming movement skills. He has a slow first step and his consistently high pad level reduces his power, acceleration and balance. The Sooners’ standout fails to capitalize on his pass rush moves; his lack of burst allows opponents to slow him with trail arms. Further, Thomas’s stiff frame limits his change of direction and precludes him from bending or cornering to the quarterback from the outside track. The Oklahoma native is too often late and inactive with his punches. Thomas leads with his shoulder and lacks the power profile to consistently displace blockers. If he does generate a push, he is usually simultaneously forced back by the contact. When linemen land their hands first, they easily control and seal the 2020 breakout star. His tendency to be washed out of plays exposes his underwhelming anchor and trouble in adjusting course. Thomas struggles against tight ends in full-man. He fails to consistently practice sound gap discipline and contain against the run. What’s more, Thomas is an inefficient tackler with poor technique. 

Summary:

One of college football’s top breakout defenders in 2020, Isaiah Thomas continued to impress with a strong 2021 year. His versatility to play across the defensive line will appeal to certain teams; however, the Sooners’ standout struggles with inconsistent play that features as much (if not more) bad as it does good. His flashes of active hands and strength do not outweigh his stiff frame, underwhelming movement skills and unreliable power profile. While Thomas has role player upside, his off-field concerns and average athletic profile loom over his NFL future. 

Background:

Born on December third in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Isaiah Thomas was a standout athlete at Memorial High School. A multi-talented individual, the Oklahoma native was a member of the 2017 Class 5A state championship-winning basketball team. What’s more, Thomas received honorable mention all-state honors from The Oklahoman for his performance on the gridiron. He was also named a US Army All-American. Thomas’s stellar high school football career earned him a four-star rating from 247Sports Composite Rankings. The same outlet named him the 288th-overall recruit in his class, the 20th-best weak-side defensive end in his year and the 4th-ranked recruit in the state of Oklahoma. After redshirting his first season with the Sooners, Thomas played in nine games (recording four tackles) during his second year. In 2019, he played in 11 of 14 games, posting seven tackles and two sacks. After promising showings in his first two seasons, Thomas broke out in 2020. He started each of the team’s 11 games and recorded 32 tackles. His 8.5 sacks and 13.0 tackles for loss led the team. Further, he posted two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, eight quarterback hurries and two pass breakups. Thomas’s outstanding performance in 2020 saw him named second-team All-Big 12 by coaches and the media. He also was named Academic All-Big 12 Second Team. He has had a strong 2021 season, picking up where he left off after his 2020 breakout. The talented defensive end’s strong college career is not without its blemishes; specifically, Thomas has had trouble with the law. He was charged with petty larceny in Norman, Oklahoma and failed to appear in court. He has also been charged with a DWI in Cleveland, Ohio. All that said, coaches speak highly of him and praise his character. 

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One-Liners

Lamattina: Isaiah Thomas is a very solid player who has pass-rushing prowess but his overall ability is hindered by his lack of strength. He could be a guy that rotates in at 3-technique, as well as at base end.

Ezring: A breakout star in 2020, Isaiah Thomas’s versatility and flashes of advanced hand usage may appeal to NFL teams; however, his off-field concerns, unclear role at the next level and incomplete on-field product are concerning.

Jakubowski: After an eight-sack season with Oklahoma, Isaiah Thomas seems poised to be one of the draft’s best pass-rush specialists, if he can keep himself out of trouble.

Grades

Current Player Value/Potential Player Value

6.2 / 7.7

Floor/Ceiling: Rosterable Developmental Piece / Role Player and Solid Backup

Scheme Fit: 5-tech in a 4-3 Front

Grade: 6th-7th Round

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