The New York Jets defied expectations by drafting a cornerback with the 73rd overall pick. However, Florida State CB Azareye’h Thomas brings great size and excellent man technique, undoubtedly two traits Aaron Glenn covets.
Can he lock up legitimate NFL weapons, though?
Well, at the Senior Bowl, Thomas showed his potential by shutting down one of the New England Patriots’ draftees, the solidly-hyped wide receiver Kyle Williams.
Williams was a Jets target, but the Patriots got there first. Nonetheless, it’s a worthy consolation prize to get the player who gave him problems to this level.
The primary concern with Thomas is his straight-line speed, as his forty-time was nothing to write home about. Yet Thomas had no problem matching Williams’ 4.43 speed at the Senior Bowl.
Speed is essential, but suddenness and smooth transitions are even more critical.
Consider the many failed draft picks who shot draft boards due to their elite 40 times; Eric Stokes is a recent example.
Glenn said it himself after the pick: play speed is always a greater attribute than straight-line speed, and Thomas has that.
His sticky coverage helped him finish as one of the most impressive DBs at the Senior Bowl.
This is despite Maxwell Hairston, the fastest corner in the draft, also attending. Hairston was drafted in the first round by the Buffalo Bills.
Time will tell if either player lives up to their expectations.
Thomas also brings the physicality and competitiveness that the Jets need in their cornerback room, which he is already familiar with.
While Thomas studies Sauce Gardner’s technique, he’s more likely to compete against Brandon Stephens. However, it’s more realistic that he competes with Qwan’tez Stiggers and Jarrick Bernard-Converse as the primary outside cornerback backup.
