Future Patriots NT.......

[sebman2112]

I was trying to remember this guys name when I created my recent mock draft, but I couldn't remember, and I had a hard time tracking him down, but....


Walter Thomas NT Northwest Mississippi (transfer from Oklahoma State)

This beast comes in at a whopping 6'4" 370lbs!

During the Texas vs the Nation game Thomas was dominant, and looked an ideal fit in NE's 3-4 defense. Thomas worked out at Mississippi States Pro Day and was the most impressive athlete there.

From DraftDaddy's coverage of the Texas vs the Nation Bowl:
"Walter Thomas also had his daily share of astounding plays, absolutely destroying Jonathan Palmer (OL-Auburn) on one confrontation - Palmer has been one of the most outstanding OL all week."

"Walter Thomas (NW Mississippi JC) still stood out when he did everything right. I interviewed Walter - he's a very shy kid who probably has no idea how much buzz he is creating."

"Walter Thomas, DT, NW Mississippi CC - Unstoppable when he got a good push, showed a good spin move (!) and was astoundingly nimble for a guy his size (think Gabe Watson at his best during Senior Bowl practices last year - dancing bear). Seemed to tire, and then get second wind. Didn't excel on every play but was dominant when he did. Got lots of individual coaching and encouragement. Talk of the scouts in the stands. Jags practically drooling on him"

"Top 5 Players
1) Walter Thomas, DT, NW Mississippi JC
2) Josh Swogger, QB, Montana
3) Nick Smith, C, San Diego State
4) Brent Curvey, DT, Iowa State
5) Stephen McCoy, CB, Texas A&M-Kingsville"

"Walter Thomas, DT, North Mississippi CC - Your star of the weigh-in. He drew reactions ranging from gasps to smiles to a simple shake of the head in disbelief. Thomas is 6'4" 370. He's got some baby fat, but he's a legit 335 without it, and that's without the benefit of a formal weight training regimen - just natural size. His upper body weighs more than I do, and I love fried food. His body screamed NFL."

"was heavily recruited but left Oklahoma State early in his college career. He can reportedly run in 4.8-4.9 range."

 

[DaBruinz]

This kid has a huge red flag on him though.

He was dismissed from the Oklahoma State team prior to playing at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

 

[sebman2112]

This kid has a huge red flag on him though.

He was dismissed from the Oklahoma State team prior to playing at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

He didn't have good grades. That's a red flag, and the only reason he'll be around late in the draft. It's the only red flag, and not "huge". He didn't break any laws, or get cought smokin' dope so I wouldn't worry about it to much. A big ole boy like that just needs to be let loose up the middle.

This guy easily has first day talent, and NE would be lucky to steal him late in the draft.

 

[TheKraftyOne]

Ever hear of Cortez Kennedy?

"He attended Northwest Mississippi Community College before winning a football scholarship to the University of Miami."


Past performance is no guarantee of future results however. At least coming from that school can't be the sole reason for passing on Thomas.

 

[VJCPatriot]

That guy is ginormous. Haven't heard much about him but he could be worth a look with a mid round pick.

 

[patchick]

At the Mississippi Pro Day, Thomas weighed in at 374 lbs. 6'4, 374! Can anyone carry that weight healthily? We're talking 2 inches shorter and 50 lbs heavier than Alan Branch, who was considered a little overweight and out of shape at his pro day.

 

[Water Boy]

http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...howthread.php?t=51263&highlight=Walter+Thomas

I'd take a chance on this guy too. I

 

[RayClay]

On day 2, we'd be crazy not to. His height, weight and speed numbers are ridiculous, if true.

Can you say Ted Washington?

Of course, Ted was a great and smart player. Still................

 

[RayClay]

BTW, I love people saying he isn't worth a draft pick. Pleeeze!! After round 3 we're likely picking for other teams waiver pickups.

Who are we going to cut to make way for 4 6th rounders and a 7th?

 

[NE39]

If he worked out at Mississippi State's Pro Day, how come Gil Brandt didn't mention him?

 

[sebman2112]

If he worked out at Mississippi State's Pro Day, how come Gil Brandt didn't mention him?

Don't know. Maybe he only talked about members of the team? DraftDaddy and other outlets say he was impressive. Also, if you look at that picture (from the Pro Day) the guy on the left is wearing a "mississippi state" athletic shirt.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

If he worked out at Mississippi State's Pro Day, how come Gil Brandt didn't mention him?

Brandt doesn't list everyone who participates, giving him the benefit of the doubt it's probably due to his sources only giving him the guys they had some interest in - the flip side would be he is trying to handicap the draft a bit.

 

[TealSox]

For some reason I am thinking Corey Stringer. I am worried about this guys health and weighing so much. On top of the fact that he weighs over 370 now, how much will he put on in the next few years. Is he going to be a Damien Woody situation? Is the guy going to have to be shipped off to Duke University to go on a diet?

If the guy can play, bring him in. The way that NE uses NTs, he should be more than serviceable. He can probably take two lineman and a blocking fullback.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

For some reason I am thinking Corey Stringer. I am worried about this guys health and weighing so much. On top of the fact that he weighs over 370 now, how much will he put on in the next few years. Is he going to be a Damien Woody situation? Is the guy going to have to be shipped off to Duke University to go on a diet?

If the guy can play, bring him in. The way that NE uses NTs, he should be more than serviceable. He can probably take two lineman and a blocking fullback.

And that's just for breakfast!

Seriously, though, as someone else pointed out, by round 6 or so, you're just tossing the dice. If Belioli want him, I ain't complaining.

 

[dryheat44]

This guy better ace his physical. I don't know what's more likely to give out first...his heart or his knees.

 

[patchick]

On day 2, we'd be crazy not to. His height, weight and speed numbers are ridiculous, if true.

Can you say Ted Washington?

Of course, Ted was a great and smart player. Still................

Scary thought: Washington is an inch taller and 10 pounds lighter!

And yes, Washington's a great and smart player. But he was pilloried as a first-round pick of the 49ers, there was constant grumbling that his excess weight limited his effectiveness. It's a challenge for most of these guys; a 330-lb physique can be surprisingly hard to maintain. On the upside, Thomas certainly won't be a #1 pick with pressure to contribute immediately. A year to learn good eating habits as well as NT technique could pay off in a big way.

 

[Fencer]

Second day -- why not?

I doubt he'll be up to playing more than a rotation player's number of snaps his first season or two, but hopefully no more will be needed of him.

 

[sebman2112]

Thomas weighs 370lbs, but about 330-340 of it is natural size. Did you notice how huge his muscles are?

That guy's arms/shoulders are probably among the top ten biggest I've ever seen. His arms are bigger than Wilfork's, and look to have more muscle.
He kind of looks like an even bigger version of Michael Clark Duncan.

Also he's not just big and slow, he runs a 4.8-4.9 40 yard dash, that's rediculous at his size. Thomas even uses swim moves, and is athletic for his size.

I think I remember seeing somewhere that he used to play basketball, as well.

Yea, I sound like a little kind in a candy store....I'm just interested that's all

 

[dryheat44]

He looks a little like Leonard Davis when he came out of Texas.

 

[patchick]

That guy's arms/shoulders are probably among the top ten biggest I've ever seen.

That was what struck me as well -- those arms would make a good-sized pair of legs! That's one big, big man.