RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.