2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cameron Thomas





  • Cameron Thomas, 6-4/264

  • Defensive End

  • San Diego State


  • Cameron Thomas Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Quick edge rusher
  • Upper body strength
  • Speed to run around the corner
  • Active hands
  • Uses hands and feet at the same time
  • Capable of beating tackles with speed or strength
  • Sturdy end
  • Good size
  • Steady motor




  • Weaknesses:
  • Solid, but unspectacular, in all phases
  • Has some stiffness
  • Not super explosive
  • Does not go for the strip


  • Summary: Thomas was a quality defensive end for San Diego State over the past three years. In 2019, his first season of extended playing time, he recorded 49 tackles, nine tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. As a junior in the shortened 2020 season, Thomas totaled 35 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. Thomas then put together his best season in 2021, recording 71 tackles, 11.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

    In the pass rush, Thomas can get after the quarterback. He has the upper body strength to fight through blockers and some quickness around the corner. Thomas possesses active hands and uses them at the same time as his feet. He is capable of beating tackles with speed or strength. Thomas may be a sturdy end, but he is not super explosive or a blindingly fast off the edge.



    Thomas is generally reliable at holding his gap in the ground game. He fights off blocks and gets in on tackles. Thomas shows some recognition skills and instincts to stay home on misdirection plays. By applying his steady motor, Thomas will work off his blocker and then flow down the line to get in on tackles out side of his gap. Thomas should become a solid run defender as a pro.

    Thomas definitely has the body to be a base end in the NFL. He would probably fit best as an end in a 4-3 defense rather than as a standup outside linebacker in a 3-4. He could play outside linebacker in a 3-4, but that isn’t his best fit. Multiple NFL team sources told WalterFootball.com they believe Thomas could be a second-day pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.



    Player Comparison: Sam Hubbard. Thomas (6-5, 265) and Hubbard are similar in terms of size and skill sets. Hubbard has been a solid, sturdy edge defender for the Bengals since being a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. While Hubbard has never set the league on fire, he has been a steady player. In the NFL, I think Thomas will have a similar career and impact for his defense.





    RELATED LINKS:


    2022 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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