Josh Thomas Scouting Report

As a freshman in 2007, Josh Thomas was forced into a starting role when another cornerback went down with an injury. In all he started four games that year and played in 11 total. Despite his inexperience, Thomas did a solid job, tallying 45 tackles, four pass break-ups and an interception. The following season Thomas stepped into a starting role, but lost it by the end of the year. However, Thomas still played relatively well and totaled 57 tackles and forced three fumbles.

Thomas did not emerge as a consistent performer as an upperclassman, but he still started ten games in 2009 and had another quality campaign. He broke up nine passes, forced yet another fumble and tallied 45 tackles. The numbers in 2010 were quite similar. Yet again Thomas lacked consistency, but was around to make some big plays too. He also did a little more blitzing during his senior campaign and did a fine job getting into the backfield and getting to the quarterback or stopping a rush attempt.

Thomas is an interesting cornerback. He was on Buffalo's track team and has a lot of speed. But he is not simply a speedy corner; Thomas has plenty of toughness about him. He may not be the strongest corner, but he certainly does not shy away from contact and he will always plays with a healthy amount of physicality. Thomas can lay out some big hits as well and he will be a nice addition to any NFL team in the sixth or seventh round.

4/8 Update: Thomas has had some nice showings during the pre-draft workouts. He ran a solid 4.46 40-yard-dash at the NFL combine and improved that number by three tenths of a second at Buffalo's pro day. On top of proving that he is a good athlete, Thomas showed the NFL that he is a tough player who deserves a chance. He will not get drafted until the later rounds because of his size, but Thomas could emerge as a fine nickel back and special teams player in the NFL.