Kevin Thomas (UNLV) - 2002 NFL Draft Pick #176 by BUF
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Kevin Thomas - 2002 NFL Draft
College: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
Player Overview
Kevin Thomas was a standout cornerback at UNLV, known for his athleticism, coverage skills, and playmaking ability. His performance in college caught the attention of NFL scouts, making him a notable prospect heading into the 2002 NFL Draft.
Strengths
- Physical Attributes: Thomas possessed great size and speed for a cornerback, making him a formidable opponent in one-on-one situations.
- Coverage Skills: He demonstrated the ability to effectively cover both man-to-man and zone schemes, showcasing excellent footwork and agility.
- Ball Skills: Known for his ability to track the ball and make plays, Thomas had a knack for intercepting passes and breaking up plays.
- Work Ethic: Coaches praised his strong work ethic and commitment to improving his game, which suggested he could develop further at the professional level.
Areas for Improvement
- Consistent Technique: While Thomas showed flashes of brilliance, he needed to refine his technique, particularly in press coverage.
- Injury History: There were concerns regarding his durability, as he had some injury issues during his college career that could raise red flags for NFL teams.
- Experience Against Top Competition: Playing in the Mountain West Conference, some scouts questioned whether he faced enough elite competition to fully assess his skills.
Overall Projection
Kevin Thomas was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2002 NFL Draft. Teams looking for depth at the cornerback position with the potential for development saw him as a valuable addition to their roster.
Conclusion
With his combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability, Kevin Thomas was considered a promising prospect who could contribute to an NFL team, provided he continued to develop his skills and overcome any injury concerns.