Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Tra Thomas (Florida St.) - 1998 NFL Draft Pick #11 by PHI

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Tra Thomas (1998 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Tra Thomas
• College: Florida State University
• Position: Offensive Tackle
• Height: 6'7"
• Weight: 338 lbs

Overview:

Tra Thomas was regarded as one of the top offensive tackles in the 1998 NFL Draft, following a standout career at Florida State. Known for his combination of size, strength, and athleticism, Thomas was a key player on a consistently dominant Seminoles team.

Strengths:

• Size and Strength: Thomas possessed an imposing frame and incredible strength, making him difficult to overpower in both the run and pass game.
• Footwork: His agility and quick footwork allowed him to effectively engage defenders and protect the quarterback's blind side.
• Experience: Having played at a high level in the ACC and in multiple high-stakes games, Thomas brought significant collegiate experience to the NFL.
• Pass Protection: He was particularly noted for his ability to handle speed rushers and maintain a solid base in pass protection.

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency: While Thomas showed flashes of greatness, there were instances where he struggled with consistency in his technique.
• Injury History: Concerns about past injuries raised some red flags, prompting teams to consider his longevity in the league.
• Run Blocking: Although effective, there were times when he needed to improve his drive blocking to create better lanes for running backs.

Draft Projection:

Tra Thomas was projected to be a top-10 pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. Teams in need of a franchise left tackle were particularly interested in his skill set, and many analysts expected him to have an immediate impact in the NFL.

Conclusion:

Tra Thomas was highly regarded as a talented offensive lineman with the potential to become a cornerstone player for whichever team selected him. His combination of size, skill, and experience made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the 1998 class.