Packers 2018 Draft: 4 players that could improve pass rush
3. Chad Thomas, Miami (6-foot-6, 275 pounds)
Thomas has the size of a 4-3 DE, but on tape, he looks more like a huge 3-4 edge rusher to me. His measurables were not what you would like to see out of a 3-4 OLB edge rusher (4.92 40-yard dash at combine, 4.78 40 at pro day, a 7.36 3-cone drill, and 4.83 20-yard shuttle), but the film shows what he is capable of.
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The film shows that he is a relentless, fierce, and powerful pass rusher. He is often seen showing some solid arm extension where he bends the blocker’s upper body, getting them on their heels and pushing them back. He also possesses a very violent punch/forearm shiver which knocks a blocker back and creates separation.
He does a sensational job setting the edge, then moving laterally, allowing him to mirror plays, close running lanes, and catch runners in the backfield.
He is too large for almost all tight ends, running backs, and fullbacks to get a solid block on the edge on him. In most cases, you would see Thomas manhandle tight ends attempting to block him.
At Miami, he would drop into coverage more than you would think for a man of his size, and he looked fairly comfortable doing it. It is still an area that he will need to improve on in order to stay on the field more often in the NFL.