#Patriots UDFA WR Jeff Thomas has to keep his head on straight but his explosiveness is electric. Stacks multiple moves together on his release while still gaining ground. Sudden feet to get inside. CB tries to stay square but you better speed. CB is way too late opening up.
Manipulating downfield DBs on the corner-post. Little corner route fake at the top holds the outside CB for Thomas to break on the post. Don't like that he slows down, but that's some acceleration to hit the gas again once the ball comes his way. Great, great deep ball tracker.
Some of these off-coverage reps he won't see in the NFL but the vertical transitions are smooth. Gets in the blind spot, changes up stride length to sell it, and accelerates right through the break. CB had no chance.
Thomas will play mostly in the slot at his size (5-9, 170) and I think he'll eat on over routes. More than just vertical stretch, he'll give you horizontal stretch too. Gets upfield to curl it around the dropping linebacker and then holds the angle across. Hell of a snag.
Corner route with another smooth vertical transition. Like how he squares up the defender at the top of the route, gets on the toes, stutter steps, and accelerates through the break. Pulls away easily.
A few plays where he wasn't targeted that you can see the shiftiness and suddenness in his movements. Feet are fast at the line and he's got the ability to snap routes off. When guys open early to respect his speed, he'll be able to pick up easy yards underneath.
Get the CB thinking its an inside release then jump-cut out of the jam and beat him to the outside. He's incredibly sudden and explosive in his movements.
Thomas's play speed also translates on kick/punt returns, schemed touches, and YAC situations. Jet sweeps, WR screens. Find ways to get the ball in his hands.
Thomas's traits are great. He plays at warp speed, can move laterally and unlock his hips for sharp cuts, vertical push and transitions are great, problem as a ball carrier. Looking at a day two guy if things go right at Miami. No suspensions, better offense/QB play, etc.
Can see the young AB vibes from Thomas. Older AB became a route-running technician which Thomas is not at this stage. But neither was AB coming out (IIRC). @LanceZierlein used Antonio Callaway as a comp. Think that's a good realistic one. Hopefully Thomas can stay on the field.
