OLB Adalius Thomas
New England Patriots
Height: 6-2 5⁄8; Weight: 270; Speed: 4.56

Notes: Drafted in the sixth round (186th overall) by the Ravens in 2000 and saw very limited action as a rookie competing alongside Peter Boulware and Michael McCrary. Notched only 89 tackles his first three years and made the most impact on special teams, where he earned Pro Bowl honors in '03. For the first time became a 16-game starter in '04, when Boulware shifted to a pass-rush specialist, and earned Pro Bowl honors as an outside linebacker in '06, when he notched a career-best 106 tackles and 11 sacks. Signed by the Patriots to a five-year, $35 million contract as a free agent in 2007, lining up inside early in the year until kicking outside in November when Rosevelt Colvin was lost to injury. Has 51 career sacks.

Positives: Exceptional athlete for his size with deceptive speed and freakish leaping ability. Has a thick trunk and very good bulk strength to stack the line and defeat blockers at the point of attack. Good overall body length — disrupts passing lanes. Plays physical with good leverage, pop and power. Hits like a truck with explosive striking ability and shock in his punch. Very good versatility — can line up  all over the field. Terrorizing blitz capability.

Negatives: Motor too often throttles and does not consistently play hard every down, lacking urgency in his play. Not a great every-down competitor. See-and-go reactor who needs some time to process what he sees. Is best when responsibilities are kept simple — can be short-circuited on play-action. Average lateral agility.

Summary: Possesses elite physical talent but competitiveness, intelligence and underachiever issues clouded his draft stock. Draft position also hurt by not fitting as a conventional 4-3 end and not having played on his feet. Took time to get acclimated to the NFL but with simple assignments blossomed into a Pro Bowl talent. Initially struggled adapting to the Pats' scheme, but has proven to be a solid, versatile starter. 

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