Chase Thomas: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Stanford OLB

Chase Thomas is a dedicated and hardworking pass-rusher. He had an impressive career with the Stanford Cardinal leading a premier Pac-12 defense.

He is a linebacker by trade but is also effective at defensive end. He has tremendous pass-rushing skills and plays smart football.  

Thomas was a big reason why the Cardinal finished 12-2 last season and won the Rose Bowl. He will be a productive edge-rusher and consistent defensive player in the NFL.

Background

Full Name: Chase Thomas

Birthday: June 10, 1989

Hometown: Marietta, Georgia

High School: Walton High School

Major: Communications

Year: Redshirt Senior

This 6'3" OLB made a name for himself during his time with the Stanford Cardinal. Thomas redshirted back in 2008 to get in better shape and played his fifth year with the Cardinal football team in 2012.

Statistics

2008: Did Not Play (Redshirt)

2009: 13 games, 36 tackles, 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles

2010: 13 games, 69 tackles (49 solo), 7 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 3 pass deflection, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception.

2011: 13 games, 53 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss, 6 forced fumbles

2012: 14 games, 69 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 3 pass deflections, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception

Thomas drew much attention during his impressive 2010 campaign. He was an honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection. The following season, he led the Pac-12 in tackles for loss and earned Sporting News All-America honors.

In 2012 Thomas put together another impressive season as team captain. He anchored the Cardinal defense and earned All-Pac-12 first team honors.

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 244 lbs.

Arm Length: 32.25"

Hand Size: 9.63"

Combine Results

40-yard dash: 4.91 seconds

Broad jump: 113"

Vertical jump: 32"

Bench press: 18 reps

3-cone drill: 7.17 seconds

20-yard shuttle: 4.31 seconds

Pro Day Results

40-yard dash: 4.80 seconds

Bench press: 21 reps

Thomas is not the fastest, strongest or most athletic player, but he shows his worth on the gridiron by getting into the backfield and making plays. His high football IQ makes up for what he lacks in speed and strength.

Combine results per NFL.com, Stanford pro day results per CBS Sports

Interesting Facts

Thomas redshirted in 2008 in order to add some weight and gain some strength. The move paid off. He is now 244 pounds and was a part of some very talented Cardinal squads.

The linebacker finished at No. 4 in school history with 27.5 career sacks. He also totaled 50.5 tackles for loss in his career, leaving him at No. 5 in Cardinal history.

Thomas was named one of four finalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which is given to the Defensive Player of the Year who represents solid character and athletic performance.

Observations

Thomas plays fast and hard while maintaining his high football IQ.

Thomas is a "[v]ersatile edge defender who finds the ball regularly and has made plays at linebacker or defensive end," per NFL.com. Thomas may not have tremendous strength or speed, but he makes up for it with his hustle and determination.

Before the combine, he was considered by many to be a first-round pick, according to Boston.com. He mainly plays as a 3-4 linebacker but is productive no matter where he plays.