Earl Thomas coming back this year
at least as for now....
Of course, this is what he should be saying right now. In reality, it probably depends somewhat on the draft evaluation that he will get back some time in January and if there are any extenuating circumstances with his family. Good to hear, but far from the last word on this subject. --GoBR--
about 2 years ago
greenspointexas
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This is similar to the Muschamp comments
There is nothing else to say at this point in the season, no one is going to say they will entertain offers, or test the waters when you have a championship game and a BCS game left to go.
Title should be, Earl says what hes supposed to.
At least hes not 110% like TJ was.
by BoddickerIsClutch on Dec 2, 2009 6:49 AM CST reply actions
Don't know why Bohls bothers to ask
Just puts the guy on the spot. But in reality ET is probably not quite ready to take on Adrian Peterson or Jason Witten just yet. Of course, I’m not sure anybody is.
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Dec 3, 2009 9:30 AM CST up reply actions
Covering Witten with a safety...
…seems like a bad idea. I remember thinking the guy was starting to look like a steal when he lasted as long as he did. He was the best player I think I remember Tennessee having his last season there, and they were a pretty talented team back then.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 3, 2009 9:55 AM CST up reply actions
I'm not sure how to cover Witten
Depends on personnel I guess, though it normally goes to a safety. Makes me a little nervous thinking about Gideon matched up with Hernandez of Florida, though. Think AJ might be a better choice?
by SpiritOfTheFedora on Dec 3, 2009 3:38 PM CST up reply actions
Muck
Much’s not perfect in coverage, but Hernandez isn’t a world-beater as a TE either. I think Muck’s the answer, but I guess it’d be nice to have him around to do other things than just key on a role-player. I’d rather have him hunting some demigod.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 4, 2009 7:03 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think he'd leave
Mainly because Eric Berry and Taylor Mays are more prototypical NFL safeties and I’d be doubtful that he could go ahead of them as a third year sophomore…how many drafts have 3 safeties go in the first round?
AGREE
I agree I would think Earl is a late second or third round pick do to the fact that Eric Berry and Taylor Mays will go in front of him. I would think he would stay for his junior season and potentially be a top 15 over all pick in next years draft after one more solid season.
... annnndddd OU stillll SUCKS....
by Fair_N_Bias_Horn_Fan on Dec 2, 2009 8:03 AM CST up reply actions
Aren't Berry and Mays Strong Safeties?
And wouldnt Earl more likely be a Free Safety in the League due to his size? From what ive seen on big boards and mock drafts I think Earl can be a first round pick and maybe even a top 20 pick. There are alot of teams who need a safety, among them are the Texans, Bills, Panthers, Bengals, Cowboys, who will all most likely have picks in the 10-late 1st round area.
To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.
Berry is more of a free safety
while Mays is definitely a strong safety. Mays reminds me of Roy (OU) Williams as he seems to definitely be a liability in coverage. Let me be clear in that I think Earl Thomas will be an excellent safety in the NFL. However, as you know the NFL does, they will over examine him and put marks against him for being an inch short an 10 lbs light.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
i agree
with the william comparison. i can see him(mays) making some jarring hits that will get him a lot of fan love, but will eventually get exposed by nfl caliber tightends
by wishiwasalonghorn on Dec 2, 2009 7:16 PM CST up reply actions
but with all that being said
I think he will stay at UT for another season atleast.
(meant to put that in my first post but obviously I forgot)
To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.
My father
lives next door to his extended in Orange and said Earl is a really good kid (church, school, responsible, etc) I have to think if he will be coming back for at least his junior season. Me on the other hand, if I can get the first round draft pick money right now, I go and then get my degree after I have millions in my savings account. I think he would be smart to stay, not sure what the typical size of an NFL safety is but, he may need to add a little more size. Can anyone answer the prototypical NFL safety size question?
If you are talking prototypical
then look at Ed Reed or Laron Landry. Both are 6’ + and a healthy 200 – 215 lbs. That doesn’t mean Earl can’t play safety in the NFL it just means he would be undersized. Look at Bob Sanders, though. He plays Strong Safety but he’s only 5’8 but is pretty stout. The other part about that is Bob Sanders has been injured for the better part of his career so for whatever contribution he makes on the field, which is a good one, its balanced by his time spent off of it.
"I want to be remembered as the guy who gave his all whenever he was on the field."
-Walter Payton
Sanders is one of the first guys who comes to mind
Because of the size issue, of course. Earl’s listed at 5’10" I believe, but I won’t buy that measurement until he shows up to an NFL combine and faces the tape. I think he’s just fine on bulk, which is one area where he might have a little advantage on Sanders.
BTW, I’d consider the standard NFL safety size to be 6’ to 6’3", 210-225lbs. Berry might be a shade under 6’ as well, but Ed Reed is also 5’11", and he doesn’t seem to have problems.
One thing to consider is Earl’s range. The kid has simply amazing range, and I wouldn’t be one bit surprised if he made the move to FS.
by burntorangehorn on Dec 2, 2009 10:23 AM CST up reply actions
My Take - He Will Be Back for a Position Change
I think Earl will be back – and it will end up being a wise financial move. Right now – Earl does not have the size to be a first round pick, especially with both Mays and Berry coming out.
Earl will come back, work with Muschamp on his man to man skills. Get more CB reps as the nickel back and jump to the first round the next year.
Nickel back
He’s unlikely to get more reps at nickel back unless A-Will moves to a boundary spot, which is pretty unlikely unless Chykie or Curtis absolutely fall apart, or moves to safety, which is more likely. Plus, Thomas said he doesn’t like playing nickel back. You are correct that he would increase his stock by playing there, but I think scouts probably see enough of him in coverage as it is that it’s not crucial for him to make the move.
by Wescott Eberts (GoBR) on Dec 2, 2009 9:39 AM CST up reply actions
The smart move is to stay another year at least
Right now his name is getting out there. Next year everyone who needs someone at his position will be eyeballing him ala Eric Berry at the other wannabe UT.
In-VINCE-able.
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