Texas Longhorns Pro Day: Did Earl Thomas Just Run His Way into the Top 10?

Texas safety Earl Thomas is leaving school early in order to help support his family whose home was devastated by Hurricane Rita in 2005, which is a very honorable thing to do and shows high character.

He may have just ran into the Top 10 with his 40-yard dash time at Texas' Pro Day.

As reported by NFL.com's Gil Brandt, Thomas ran a 4.37, which is blazing fast. Thomas, who was projected as a mid-first round pick, may now break into the Top 10.

Comparing NFL Combine 40 results, Thomas' 4.37 would have been third fastest behind Jacoby Ford's 4.28 and Jahvid Best's 4.35 times.

With all the talk of Eric Berry by teams like the Lions, Redskins, Chiefs, and Browns there is a good chance that perhaps the Browns will pull the trigger on Thomas at No. 7.

Berry will most likely not be around for the Browns at No. 7. With all the mocks predicting Florida cornerback Joe Haden would be selected, Thomas's speed may change many of those mocks and the Browns' draft board too.

Thomas has all of the skills to be a highly successful playmaker at the back end of any team's secondary, and the only real knock against him is that he is on the lower end of the height spectrum for NFL safety standards.

What he lacks in height, he makes up for with his fearless and aggressive style of play.

In 2009, Thomas had eight interceptions for 149 return yards and two touchdowns. That goes with 63 tackles and one forced fumble.

Thomas may only have two years of starting experience, since he was redshirted as a freshman, but his play in those two seasons really speak for themselves.

Will Thomas break into the Top 10?

On April 22 we will all be able to see if that happens, but Browns fans are definitely getting ready to change their pick and jump on board with Thomas after Texas' Pro Day.

Update @ 4:09 PM EST 3-31-10: It has been reported by NFL.com, that Thomas did pull a hamstring during Texas' Pro Day.