Dallas Thomas: 5 Things to Know About the Tennessee Offensive Tackle

Tackles rarely get noticed by the average fan unless they give up a sack or take a penalty. You know a tackle is doing a great job when you're not hearing his name called out at all. It's ultimately a thankless job but the most lucrative non-skill position on offense.

Dallas Thomas started three seasons as a left tackle before shifting inside to guard in 2012. He excelled in both positions, but the fact that he was moved inside at all is a bit of an indictment for his abilities as a tackle.

Which position he projects to play in the NFL will come down to team needs and scheme, but Thomas looks like a prospect set to make an impact early in his career.

Combine results courtesy of NFL.com. College stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.

Background

Name/DOB: Dallas Treymell Thomas, Oct. 30, 1989

Hometown: Baton Rouge, La.

High School: Scotlandville Magnet High School

Major: Sociology

Year: Senior

Thomas has three years of starting experience in the SEC under his belt, spending his sophomore and junior seasons at left tackle. In 2012, the UT coaching staff decided it would be for the betterment of the team if Thomas would move to guard in his senior season.

Statistics

After red shirting during his freshman season in 2008, Thomas played in all 13 of the Volunteers' games as a blocker for the extra point and field goal units. He has played in and started every game for UT since 2010.

Thomas won awards as a player at both positions but likely projects to play guard in the NFL.

Season	GP	GS	POS
2012	12	12	G
2011	12	12	OT
2010	13	13	OT
2009	13	0	OT
2008			Red Shirt

Draft Process

Measurables

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 300 pounds

 

Combine Results

40-yard Dash: N/A

Broad Jump: N/A

Vertical Jump: N/A

Three-Cone Drill: N/A

20-yard Shuttle: N/A

* Thomas did not perform any of the workouts due to a shoulder injury 

 

Pro Day Results

225-pound Bench Press: N/A

* Did not perform workout due to shoulder injury

Thomas is a well-built, athletic positional blocker who is best when moved inside to guard. He is one of the better power-based blockers in this year's draft class, utilizing good overall size as a weapon. His frame suggests that there is still room to grow. 

He doesn't excel in any one area of his game. Instead, he is simply solid in most areas, playing with consistency rather than the strength and aggression that is sometimes needed at the next level.

Interesting Facts

Started 25 consecutive as the Volunteers left tackle before making his first career start as an offensive guard in the 2012 season opener.

 

Awards and Honors

• 2012 Coaches All-SEC Second Team
• 2012 Third-Team All-American by CBSSports.com
• 2012 Associated Press All-SEC Second Team
• On Outland Trophy Watch List for 2012
• Member of Senior Bowl Watch List for 2012
• Named to 2012 Preseason All-SEC Teams by SEC Coaches; also Third team by Lindy's & Phil Steele
• Earned Fourth Quarter Award from team in spring 2012 for adding intangible values to team

Observations

Via NFL.com:

"

Displays the potential to start as either a tackle or guard in the NFL. Plays with natural bend in the knees, and flexibility. Possesses excellent agility. Can sit down into his blocks and anchor. Can block down yet spring back outside to cut off outside blitzers, also gets to second level quickly and shows good speed and hustle downfield. Very good at pulling, and is always attempting to drive his assignment to the ground. Maintains balance while extending his arms to keep outside rushers out of the pocket, does not give up after initial contact. Good recovery speed to cut off spin and inside counter moves. Goes out to meet his man and packs a punch to stop their momentum. Comes off the ball very well from a three-point stance in the run game.

"

Thomas tore his labrum in the Senior Bowl and didn't work out at the NFL Scouting Combine. When asked about his recovery time, Thomas replied (via Scout.com), "I think they said four to six months, and I probably have about another month in the brace."