Sleeper/Steal Alert: Cam Thomas
By Editorial Staff
Sleeper/ Steal Alert
Every year the NFL Draft is littered with Busts and Steals/Sleepers. Steals/Sleepers are what make a team’s draft special and build decision makers reputations. Some of the more famous Steals/Sleepers include Tom Brady (round 6 pick 199), Terrell Davis (round 6 pick 196), and Zack Thomas (round 5 pick 154). But a Steal/Sleeper doesn’t necessarily have to be drafted in the later rounds. An example would be the Green Bay Packers getting Clay Matthews at pick 26 after players like Larry English were selected. Matthews earned a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl after registering 10 sacks in his rookie season. We are going to examine some of the different sleepers in this year’s draft.
Player:
Cam Thomas- NT- UNC
Projected Rounds:
2nd– 3rd Rounds
Thoughts:
Cam Thomas isn’t an unknown prospect and fits better in the Steal category. The reason I have him on this list is because he will be taken in the 2nd round probably behind fellow nose tackles Dan Williams and Terrence Cody. The way I see it is that if Thomas is able to stuff the run and fill that all important Nose Tackle position he may be comparable to Dan Williams who many suspect will be gone by pick #13. Thomas as the size and anchor ability to step in and be the answer for a team nose tackle issues. He has comparable size and speed to highly touted prospect Dan Williams. Thomas isn’t going to provide your team with a good pass rush but he will be able to hold up against double teams and help stuff the running game. Again my feeling is that Thomas will be a steal because he will be picked maybe 20 or more picks after Williams and have a similar career. Look for Thomas to come off the board in the 2nd round maybe to the Kansas City Chiefs or San Diego Chargers.