Julius Thomas (Portland St.) - 2011 NFL Draft Pick #129 by DEN
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Julius Thomas (2011 NFL Draft)
Player Profile
- Name: Julius Thomas
- College: Portland State
- Position: Tight End
- Height: 6'5"
- Weight: 250 lbs
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.8 seconds
Strengths:
- Excellent size for a tight end, providing a good target for quarterbacks.
- Strong athleticism and leaping ability, making him a threat in the red zone.
- Good hands, capable of making contested catches.
- Decent route-running skills; can stretch the field and create mismatches against defenders.
- Versatile player who can line up in various positions, including as a wide receiver.
Weaknesses:
- Lacks extensive experience in high-level college football, having played at a smaller program.
- Needs improvement in blocking skills to be an effective all-around tight end.
- Inconsistent production during college, raising questions about his ability to perform at the next level.
Overall Analysis:
Julius Thomas entered the 2011 NFL Draft as a somewhat raw but intriguing talent. His physical attributes and athleticism caught the attention of scouts, but his lack of experience at a high level of competition was a concern. Teams appreciated his potential as a receiving tight end who could provide mismatches due to his size and speed. However, questions about his blocking ability and overall consistency left some teams hesitant to invest a high draft pick in him. Ultimately, Thomas was viewed as a project player with the potential to develop into a reliable contributor in the NFL.