2011 Cowboys Draft Picks: Josh Thomas Scouting Report

or does he just have a habit of contradicting himself .

“He is an exceptional cover corner” or “He’s at his best in off-man coverage”

Hun.

“Thomas is not big enough to go up against some of the taller NFL receivers, this most comes across when asked to jam them at the line.’

“He is so run centered that he can get caught looking into the backfield and allows craftier receivers to get behind him”

So crafty and tall receivers give him a problem.

Sounds like an exceptional cover corner we got.

Boy this is going to be fun.

I like my guy better.

Ahmad Black

Black is no combine star. His measurables do not jump off the page at you. On paper he is small (5’9" 185-lbs) and slow (4.83 40). On the field he is a quarterback’s worst nightmare.

Black has a great ability to read coverages as well as the quarterback’s eyes which allows him to consistently make plays on the ball. In his first year as a starter, the under recruited Black, led the nation in interceptions with seven picks in 14 games.

Not only is Black a relentless ball hawk he hits like a truck and loves playing in big games,

In his final season in the Swamp he garnered All-SEC and All-American honors while leading the team in tackles with 102, recovering two fumbles and recording three picks. TODD MCSHAY in the PalmBeachPost.com

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/685645-ahmad-black-to-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-2011-nfl-draft-scouting-report

Production: Told he would never play at the University of Florida by then head coach Urban Meyer, Black proved doubters wrong. A three year starter for the Gators at the strong safety position, Black outperformed all expectations. He showed a knack for being in the right spot at the right time, accumulating 13 interceptions over his career. Black also showed great instincts against the run leading the Gators in tackles with 107 (74 solo) in 2010.

Height-Weight-Speed: At 5’9’’ 1/2, 187-pounds, Black has less than ideal size for the position, causing some unsureness about whether or not he will be able to play at the safety position at the next level. Black could have helped his cause by running well at the Combine or his Pro Day, but instead he ran in the mid to high 4.7 -4.8 range — much slower than the norm for his position. Despite these obvious deficiencies, put on his tape and Black always seems to be around the ball. He makes up for his lack of speed with his intelligence, quick feet, and great route recognition. Black plays bigger than he is listed but will be overmatched against bigger Tight Ends.

Durability: Didn’t miss a game during his three years as a starter for the Gators. However, his size could prove for some concern for injury at the next level.
Intangibles: Voted a team-captain his senior year, Black has shown an ability to shine in big moments. Intercepting Sam Bradford in the National Championship game as a sophomore, and returning an interception for a TD to secure the win against Penn State in his final college game, shows as much.

Overall Stock: Despite being listed as the #2 safety on many boards, the position is very weak in this year’s draft. His slow 40-yard dash times coupled with concerns of his size, Blacks stock is quickly falling. Only one head coach showed up for Florida’s Pro Day, but luckily for Black, it was an unconventional coach with a propensity for taking Gators, Bill Belichick.

NFL Comparisons: Bob Sanders
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So we take the guy who as the scouts see: "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.

From FFToolbox.com http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2833#ixzz1LFOjlXmP"

Instead of “2010: A Consensus First-Team All-SEC pick by the coaches’, AP and Phil Steele…Named to the SEC Football Community Service Team…Named to the Phil Steele Midseason All-American Fourth Team…Eighth in the country for defensive backs with a team-leading 102 tackles (fifth in the SEC, firstamong SEC defensive backs)…Tied for third in the country and first in the SEC for most interceptions in a game (2 vs. USF in 2010)…Tied for eighth in the SEC and the team lead with three interceptions, along with three other Gator teammates (Jon Bostic, Jeremy Brown and Janoris Jenkins), while starting on the kickoff and punt coverage teams…Recorded at least six tackles in all but three regular-season games this year, and double-digit tackles in four of his last seven games…Black, the 2011 Outback Bowl MVP, finished his career with 13 interceptions, which is tied for fourth most in school history. The three-year starter also notched 244 total tackles, including 14 tackles for loss. He is tied for second on the SEC’s all-time list with three interception returns for a touchdown and fourth in SEC history with 362 yards in interception returns…”

Yup. JJ’s got this.

1st time posting…now that’s out the way…just wondering what does this say about scandrick are we moving him to free safety? Dropping A. Ball back down to 4th string cb with b mac playing purely on ST? From where I sit every one has him rated at best a 3rd corner…Didn’t we pass up B. Harris a future starter waaaaaay sooner than later? For what’s its worth I think right position just a tad late? I can’t say for sure FA is gonna bring us who we want or need…huff awesomewa..(What I call him)…weddle sound nice but other teams are gonna want the same espcially those in our division…..

                I keep 2 cents

Don’t think they need an exceptional safety! Don’t think there were any in this draft anyway. Just a decent guy would be a big upgrade from a former backup CB turned safety AB! A proven guy will do the trick!