Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Orlando Thomas (Louisiana) - 1995 NFL Draft Pick #42 by MIN


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Orlando Thomas - 1995 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

  • Name: Orlando Thomas
  • College: Louisiana
  • Position: Safety
  • Height: 6'0"
  • Weight: 200 lbs

Overview:

Orlando Thomas emerged from Louisiana as one of the top safety prospects in the 1995 NFL Draft. Known for his athleticism, ball-hawking skills, and strong tackling ability, Thomas showcased the potential to make significant impacts on the defensive side of the ball.

Strengths:

  • Excellent range and speed, allowing him to cover a lot of ground quickly.
  • Strong instincts for reading the quarterback and anticipating plays.
  • Physical presence in run support, demonstrating effective tackling technique.
  • Good ball skills with a knack for intercepting passes and creating turnovers.

Weaknesses:

  • Can be overly aggressive at times, leading to missed tackles.
  • Needs to improve on man-to-man coverage against faster receivers.
  • Inconsistent in backpedal technique, which could be exploited in the NFL.

Draft Projection:

Orlando Thomas was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Teams were attracted to his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability, with many believing he could develop into a starter in the right defensive scheme.

Conclusion:

As the 1995 NFL Draft approached, Orlando Thomas was a player to watch. His potential to contribute immediately on special teams and develop into a starting safety made him a valuable asset for any NFL team looking to bolster their secondary.