The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

This kid had some off the field issues and has been on the Radio here in J-Ville all week. I remember him in High School and when he announced he was going to UF. He'd be the best DT in the draft if he could have stayed on the field but really hasn't played much in 2 years. He did have 4 sacks in 4 starts this year.

Should we take a chance on him ? When I say take a chance on him a lot of things will have to happen, starting with the Redskins trading down in the first round and picking up a late 2nd/early 3rd (to use on Thomas).

His issues were with weed and he was given a 2nd chance but missed curfew by coming home when he shouldn't have.

Like I said he's all over the radio here and is saying all the right things, as far as admitting the mistakes he made, and how he let down a bunch of guys that were depending on him (They won the NCAA without him ). Anyway he seems to have learned his lesson and is willing to have clauses put into his contract that would cost him money if this type of thing should happen again.

The guy is way under the radar and might be a steel in the 2nd or 3rd round

If they were to trade down he would be a good option. I doubt they would take a chance on him though cuz of Gibbs.

No.

Just no.

Very Talented yes. ALso very risky.

Hey this guy is very talented. If we trade down for a lower first rounder and aquire a second round pick or third round pick. This guy may still be available and I would take a chance on him in the second or third round.

2nd rounder no way. But a 3rd rounder could be interesting selection. To much risk even as a 2nd rounder. Because of the not staying healthy aspect. Just my 2 cents ok.

flamethrower wrote:2nd rounder no way. But a 3rd rounder could be interesting selection. To much risk even as a 2nd rounder. Because of the not staying healthy aspect. Just my 2 cents ok.

Good point I am just saying if alot of the good Defensive lineman are gone and we have aquired a second rounder we should at least think about it.

There were similar issues surrounding Warren Sapp when he was drafted and things turned out pretty good for him. I think you sit this guy down and talk with him, see how much he gets it or not. Then make a decision how much risk you are willing to take.

BernieSki wrote:There were similar issues surrounding Warren Sapp when he was drafted and things turned out pretty good for him. I think you sit this guy down and talk with him, see how much he gets it or not. Then make a decision how much risk you are willing to take.

A mature and reasonable post ...

To be backed up by weekly tests for -any- substance abuse and penalties for infractions of course

He looks like a guy with tallent but still a project. He should be there in the 5th round.

Marcus Thomas
DT | (6'2", 290, 4.97) | FLORIDA

Scouts Grade: 76

Flags: (C: CHARACTER) Problems on and off the field(D: DURABILITY) Player that can't stay healthy

Strengths: Explosive one-gap defensive tackle prospect. Possesses adequate-to-good height and the frame to continue to add bulk. Displays very good initial quickness and top-end speed for the position. Very mobile and active interior defender. Wins most battles with first-step quickness. Does a fine job of locating the ball once in the backfield. Shows outstanding change of direction skills and makes more plays in pursuit than most DT's at this level. He displays a powerful upper body. Is a productive pass-rusher because of his initial burst and he can become even more effective with improved technique. He's quick and effective on stunts and twists. Displays the ability to collapse the pocket as a bull rusher. He also can contribute on special teams -- he blocked one field goal attempt and one extra point attempt in 2005.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size. He displays explosive initial power but lacks the wide base to consistently anchor versus the run. He will never be a good fit in a two-gap scheme. His motor runs hot and cold. Has some trouble getting off of blocks and must learn to do a better job with his hands. Also needs to add more pass-rush moves to his repertoire. Struggles once reached as a pass rusher and also gets frustrated by the double team. Durability is somewhat of a concern after hernia surgery in April, 2006.

Overall: Thomas saw action in 12 games (two starts) as a true freshman in 2003, missed the LSU game with an ankle sprain, and finished the season with 47 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. In 2004, he started all 12 games at defensive tackle making 39 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Thomas again started all 12 games during the 2005 season, recording 45 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and two blocked kicks. In 2006, Thomas was dismissed from the Florida football team for "failing to meet responsibilities and obligations" just one month after he was reinstated from a two-game suspension due to a failed drug test (marijuana). He started four of the five games he played in last season and finished with 26 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks.
Thomas is a disruptive interior defender with an outstanding blend of first-step quickness and power. He was playing the best football of his career prior to being kicked off the Florida football team eight games into his senior season. In fact, it was our opinion that Thomas had emerged as the top overall defensive tackle prospect in the 2007 senior class at midseason. However, it would come as no surprise if Thomas' off-the-field problems caused him to freefall to the second day of the upcoming draft. Thomas' durability issues and an inconsistent motor could also turn some teams off.

Redskin in Canada wrote:

BernieSki wrote:There were similar issues surrounding Warren Sapp when he was drafted and things turned out pretty good for him. I think you sit this guy down and talk with him, see how much he gets it or not. Then make a decision how much risk you are willing to take.

A mature and reasonable post ...

To be backed up by weekly tests for -any- substance abuse and penalties for infractions of course

He's saying all the right things on airways down here, even writing the weekly testing bit into his contract