Stantley Thomas-Oliver (Florida International) - 2020 NFL Draft Pick #221 by CAR
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Stantley Thomas-Oliver - 2020 NFL Draft
Position: Cornerback
College: Florida International University (FIU)
Overview
Stantley Thomas-Oliver is a talented cornerback who showcased his skills during his time at Florida International. Known for his athleticism and versatility, Thomas-Oliver was considered a prospect with significant upside entering the 2020 NFL Draft.
Strengths
- Physical Attributes: Thomas-Oliver possesses good size and length for a cornerback, which helps him compete against bigger receivers.
- Athleticism: He has impressive speed and agility, allowing him to keep up with fast receivers and change direction quickly.
- Ball Skills: Demonstrated the ability to track the ball well and make plays in the air, with a decent number of pass breakups in college.
- Versatility: Played multiple roles in the secondary, including outside corner and nickel, showcasing his adaptability to different defensive schemes.
Weaknesses
- Experience Level: Limited experience against top-tier competition, which raised questions about his ability to transition to the NFL.
- Tackling Technique: Needs improvement in tackling technique; at times, he can be overaggressive and miss tackles.
- Consistency: There were moments of inconsistency in coverage, particularly against more polished route runners.
Overall Assessment
Stantley Thomas-Oliver is a developmental prospect with the potential to grow into a solid contributor at the NFL level. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their secondary. While he may not be an immediate starter, with proper coaching and experience, he has the tools to become a reliable cornerback in the league.
Projected Draft Round
Thomas-Oliver was projected to be selected in the
late rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft, with the possibility of being a priority free agent if he went undrafted.