Regardless of being undrafted in 2023, Thomas established himself shortly on the Cardinals protection.
In his first two seasons, he began in 22 video games and posted 85 tackles, 11 pass breakups and one forced fumble. In 2024, he began 15 video games, permitting solely 30 complete receptions, with six pass deflections and 47 total tackles.
On Pro Football Focus, Thomas earned an general grade of 60.9 in 2024, which ranks him 116th amongst 222 different certified corners. He possessed a protection grade of 60.9 and a run protection grade of 58.0.
Now with Thomas anticipated to be sidelined for the whole 2025 season, the Cardinals’ cornerback depth will take a major hit. The staff had some roster flexibility previous to the harm however now faces a thinner group. The unit will now rely closely on second-round decide Will Johnson, in addition to 2024 second-rounder Max Melton.
Johnson was chosen forty seventh within the 2025 NFL Draft, which was a stunning drop given his dominant 2023 season. The drop was primarily because of harm considerations that held him out of most of 2024 and restricted him in draft exercises. There was concern over his long-term well being, in addition to if his athleticism would stay intact. To this point this training camp, Johnson has reportedly been operating with the primary staff and has proven flashes of stable play.
Melton was drafted forty third within the 2024 NFL Draft. He confirmed a number of flashes all through his rookie season, particularly in direction of the tail finish of the 12 months. He totaled 565 snaps, with a PFF coverage grade of 56.1. With the harm to Thomas, Melton will possible transfer right into a full time beginning position, which he states he feels assured in.
“12 months 1 was every thing I needed to be,” Melton stated during an appearance on “Arizona Sports activities’ Wolf & Luke.” “It was a studying course of and by the tip of the 12 months, I felt like I used to be full-fledged and that’s precisely how I really feel like going into 12 months 2. I really feel prefer it’s time to take off this 12 months and that’s precisely what we’re going to do.”
For Thomas, the harm is a troublesome blow, however the expectation is that it’s going to solely be a brief setback. Along with his expertise and work ethic, there needs to be a ton of optimism that he can return stronger. The Cardinals shall be relying on him to make a full restoration and reclaim his position throughout the staff’s secondary.
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