Pats sign Thomas to 53; Tarpinian and Mills to PS - New England Patriots Forums

***DaBruinz*** · 09-14-2011, 10:39 AM

Just saw this tweeted from Reiss:

Donald Thomas to the 53. Thomas Welch Cut (which we knew)

Tarpinian and Mills to the Practice Squad.

I thought the Pats had 7 people on the PS after they promoted Welch.. I must have miscounted.. or there will be another move announced. .

***Sciz*** · 09-14-2011, 10:47 AM

The Tarp sig will remain!

And it says a lot about Hernandez' importance in the offense that they are keeping Mills.

patfanken · 09-14-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sciz

And it says a lot about Hernandez' importance in the offense that they are keeping Mills.

This is a nice insight Sciz. Clearly it means that BB wants to have that "move" TE as an integral part of his offense. Even more interesting is that it probably meant that BB envisioned this role long before we got Hernandez. He probably saw the potential of Mills filling that role, but he wasn't ready yet, and the Pats couldn't get him through waivers and the PS. Now a few years later and BB has BOTH the "move TE" of dreams.....and his back up.

BTW- who is Donald Thomas? What position does he play? And can someone give us a little bio on him

***DaBruinz*** · 09-14-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patfanken

This is a nice insight Sciz. Clearly it means that BB wants to have that "move" TE as an integral part of his offense. Even more interesting is that it probably meant that BB envisioned this role long before we got Hernandez. He probably saw the potential of Mills filling that role, but he wasn't ready yet, and the Pats couldn't get him through waivers and the PS. Now a few years later and BB has BOTH the "move TE" of dreams.....and his back up.

BTW- who is Donald Thomas? What position does he play? And can someone give us a little bio on him

Donald Thomas - Guard/Center - Came from UCONN - 2008 Draft. Drafted by Miami. Started several games for them in 2009. Was cut by them. Hooked on with Detroit in 2010. Was inactive with Detroit. Cut by Detroit on 9/3/2011. He's 26.. Supposedly a good trap blocker. Good upper body strength. Not so good lower body strength.. Can play LG/RG/C Possibly some T as well.

Mainefan · 09-14-2011, 11:09 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_...rican_football)

The psychics at Wikipedia already had it.

Odd--the link won't get you there for some reason. Just google Donald Thomas and you'll get there.

The-Hooded-One · 09-14-2011, 11:10 AM

Thomas seems to be primarily a guard. You would think they'd want someone who could back up Connolly at center. Does this mean Wendell will be ready to go?

***patchick*** · 09-14-2011, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The-Hooded-One

Thomas seems to be primarily a guard. You would think they'd want someone who could back up Connolly at center. Does this mean Wendell will be ready to go?

That's my reading, too. AFAIK Thomas has no experience at center.

***DaBruinz*** · 09-14-2011, 11:15 AM

Here is some info from NFLDraftscout.com that many people will like:

Quote:

Has an athletic-looking, muscular upper body frame with a firm midsection, long arms and room to carry at least another 20 pounds of bulk without the added weight impacting his impressive timed speed...Naturally intelligent in the classroom, but needs to continue to work on improving his overall field alertness...A mauler with a mean streak on the field, he works to finish and generates good initial pop on contact when he keeps his hands working inside his frame..

***Horace's Ivories*** · 09-14-2011, 11:23 AM

Lisfranc injury a while back - smart dude without tons of experience - this looks very good.

upstater1 · 09-14-2011, 11:29 AM

I've been watching Thomas for years.

A late round pick for Miami, the guy instantly won a starting spot as a rookie over players picked early in the draft and the incumbent veterans. He was a surprise.

Parcells especially liked him. Defensive players were reporting to Parcells and the coaches that Thomas packed a wallop. His initial engagement was like being punched by a boxer.

Thomas was hurt midway through the first year for the Dolphins, and then did not come back into form from the injury (don't know why, rehab was too long, or he didn't come back in shape, just don't know) and he was cut.

He is very physically gifted, but also incredibly raw.

He did not play high school football. He was a regular UConn student. The UConn football players saw him working out in the gym and he looked like the incredible hulk. So they encouraged him to try out. He played at UConn as a walk-on until his final year(s).

He just does not have that much football behind him. Hopefully, he can be a Scarnecchia project.