FanPost

I vote to take the best safety in this draft....

Just not the one you were thinking of. If the Chiefs are going to select a safety in the first round, why not trade down for one, pick up some extra picks, and not have to break bank by paying for one. As Mike Mayock, IMO the best football scout/analyst out there, says: "I think Earl Thomas from Texas is the best safety in the draft now. He won't go ahead of Tennessee's Eric Berry, but that kid is an amazing playmaker and suited for today's NFL." I would take Mayock's word over anyone else's. Now let's just hope that a trade down scenario is available for us. If we can trade down somewhere around the middle of the round, I think we could pick up Earl Thomas, and perhaps more than just a second round pick. This move alone would give the Chiefs a highly graded draft.

Safety Earl Thomas, Texas (5-10"/197)

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(Below analysis provided by Matt McGuire of WalterFootball.com)

Strengths:

  • Highly productive and consistent
  • Centerfielder with great range
  • Eats space quickly
  • Very good recovery speed and acceleration
  • Nice all-around athlete
  • Sure tackler in run support
  • Love his instincts
  • Doesn't let play get behind him
  • Takes solid angles
  • Ballhawk - great on pursuit INTs
  • Does a good job of reading QB's eyes
  • Low, smooth backpedal
  • Has nice route recognition
  • Quick hips
  • Great in man coverage
  • Playmaker
  • High ceiling
  • Weaknesses:
  • Occasionally gets out of control; goes for big hit
  • Smaller player - will his body hold up in pros?
  • Late in run diagnosage
  • Will have limitations in run support at next level
  • Summary:

    Earl Thomas is a ball-hawking safety with very good straight-line speed. Elite athlete with fluid hips who follows the quarterback's eyes and consistently jumps routes. Has the elusiveness to make people miss in space and can take an interception back to the house. Tough competitor who will fill in the running game and does not shy away from contact. Good tackler. Has the skills and versatility to play both cornerback and safety.

    The only weaknesses that seem to surround Thomas are concerns of his size and effectiveness at the next level. I love how people automatically put a player in doubt because of size concerns. Thomas started 26 consecutive games for Texas, so it appears he is very durable. If you want to argue size, Berry might only be about an inch taller, and they weigh about the same. Don't make the mistake of thinking he is weak as well. At the combine he benched 225lbs. 21 times and ran the 40 in 4.44 seconds.

    Earl Thomas is the kind of football player you just love to watch on tape. You fall in love with his speed, athleticism and instincts, but some teams might be scared of his small frame, which really seems to be the only thing holding him back from being a top-10 draft pick. Thomas projects as a free safety in the NFL and seems to be too good to fall out of the top 25 picks.

    Interesting Links:

    http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d81677626/Mayock-s-top-5-S-CB

    Earl Thomas Highlights (via sheets24heisman)



    This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.