Prospect Profile: OT/OG Dallas Thomas - Tennessee

Tennessee Profile

Name:  Dallas Treymell Thomas
Height:  6' - 5"
Weight:  310 lbs.
Class:  RSr.
Hometown:  Baton Rouge, LA
Date of Birth:  10/30/89 (23 years old)
High School:  Scotlandville



Rocky Top Career Notes:

2012 (RSr. Season):  Started all 12 games at Left Guard.  2nd Team All-SEC (Coaches and Media).  3rd Team All-American (CBSSports.com).  Earned Tennessee Volunteer Fourth Quarter Award during spring of 2012 for adding intangible values to team.  Helped block for an offense that was 20th in the country at 476 yards/gm.  Part of offensive line that was 4th in the country in sacks/gm at only 0.67 sacks/gm.  

2011 (RJr. Season):  Started all 12 games at Left Tackle.  Part of an offensive line that was 3rd in the SEC in sacks allowed at 1.5 sacks/gm.

2010 (RSo. Season):  Started all 13 games at Left Tackle.  Assisted Tennessee's Tauren Poole to a SEC best 6 games at 100+ rushing yards.  Earned Tennessee Volunteer Harvey Robinson Award as Tennessee's surprise player of the 2010 spring practice period.

2009 (RFr. Season):  Played 13 games on special teams primarily on the field goal and extra point units.

2012 Highlights (#71 Left Guard - RSr. Season):



2011 Highlights (#71 Left Tackle RJr. Season):



Strengths (+):
+ Technique and consistency, uses his hands and shifts his feet very well
+ Very sound pass blocker, doesn't chase stunts and keeps defenders' hands off of his pads
+ Strong puller, light on his feet and gets to the second level quickly, sticking to blocks
+ Versatility, has experience as a LG for one season and LT for 2 full seasons, all in the SEC
+ 3 years of starting experience, helped block for one of the top offenses in the country
+ Recovers quickly to maintain blocks he misses at first

Weaknesses (-):
- Can get bull rushed, needs to work on adding some weight and strength to maintain anchor
- Little to no experience blocking on the right side of the line
- Lunges on occasion and will get pushed aside by very aggressive defenders
- Will lose his leg drive in the run game after initial push, has to work on consistently finishing blocks

Analysis:
Dallas Thomas if one of the better overall offensive linemen in the 2013 NFL Draft.  He has 3 full seasons of starting experience in the SEC on the left side of the line.  His consistency, health, technique and ability to lead by example have helped him earn a 2nd Round grade as of right now.  His interviews will no doubt push him into the top 40 of the 2013 Draft class after Taylor Lewan and Jake Matthews have announced they're returning to Michigan and Texas A&M, respectively.  Most likely a plug and play LG or perhaps RT in the NFL immediately.

Outlook as a Raider:
Raiders do not currently own a 2nd Round pick, so the trade down scenario is on of Oakland were to land Thomas.  He's projected any where from late-1st Round to mid-2nd Round.  While the Raiders will most likely be looking for defensive playmaker(s) early in the Draft, a selection of Thomas would be good to help solidify an offensive line that is still in rebuild mode.  Veterans Cooper Carlisle, Mike Brisiel, Willie Smith and Khalif Barnes are all on the 'phase out' list it seems.  Reggie McKenzie is also a graduate of the University of Tennessee...it is widely believed that he has a love for WR Justin Hunter, so if McKenzie were indeed looking for Vols to plug onto the O Line, provided there's a trade down, Thomas would make a lot of sense as they look of new starters at LG and RT.