Name: Dymonte Thomas
Position: S
Height: 6’2" Weight: 199 lbs
Age: 23 Experience: Rookie
College: Michigan
The Denver Broncos picked up Dymonte Thomas as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan soon after the 2017 NFL Draft. Thomas played both cornerback and safety in college, but didn’t become a full-time starter until his senior season.
The Good
Given his extensive time as a cornerback, Thomas is more of a coverage safety than a thumper type like T.J. Ward. He had ten pass defenses in 2016 on just 29 targets. His 4.50 speed is also intriguing.
He stood out at times during Broncos OTA’s. On Day 9, he helped the defense secure a red zone interception of Paxton Lynch.
But on a last-gasp play with six seconds on the clock, Lynch's end-zone attempt was tipped by S Dymonte Thomas into the hands of CB Brendan Langley, who secured the last-second interception.
The Bad
Thomas is a poor tackler and has had a problem with dropping easy interceptions. Despite his 4.50 speed, his pre-draft weaknesses centered around his on-the-field quickness.
Not very fast. Once he's beaten, he usually can't catch up. Struggles to maintain his coverage against quick slots.
Quotable
Thomas has been dreaming of playing professional sports his entire life, but he remained grounded by his father who made sure he used that talent to receive the education he needed to thrive after sports as well. But Thomas is willing to do whatever it takes to keep his dreams alive.
“Special teams, punts, punt returns, kickoffs, kick return — I’ll do whatever,” he said. “If they want me to bring guys water, I’ll do anything they ask. Just put me on the team.”
Status
Thomas seems much too raw to make the final cut or even the practice squad for Denver. If he keeps working on his craft, he could catch on somewhere while bouncing around to a few teams over the next few years.
He seems like a good kid who works hard, so I’ll definitely be rooting for him. The good news is, he came to the Broncos first and will get to learn from the best in the business. He couldn’t have asked for a better place to start in the NFL.