Ourlads' Profile:
2024 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about XAVIER THOMAS:
Clemson | HT: 6022 | WT: 244 | 40 time: 4.62 | Arm: 3278 | Hand: 0918 | Wing: 7814
Three year starter. Played six years at Clemson with the covid year and a medical hardship. Has been third team All-ACC twice in his career. Muscular frame but a little light for the position. Played primarily as a standup edge defender in a wide nine. Also had passing situation reps with his hand in the dirt. High energy hot motor playing that plays to the whistle. Makes plays with second effort. Extreme snap quickness, at times beating a tackle out of his setup. Playing the run he flashes quick strong hands to separate and can slip a block on the move. Will attack lead blocks from the inside with force closing the hole and causing backs to bounce. Can chase from the backside and make plays across the field. As a pass rusher his first step gets him to the outside shoulder of a tackle and he often runs the arc to the quarterback. He’s at his best working around a tackle with a variety of moves including arm under, stab and chop and an occasional spin move. Has been productive pressuring quarterbacks into bad throws. Has limited reps in coverage but shows eye discipline reading the quarterback. Senses screens and has been effective blowing them up. Powerful tackles can get in his frame and he has trouble holding the point. Can get ridden out on the edge. Less than ideal length is a factor keeping him from consistent stack and shed. Doesn’t get a lot of sacks and could use some inside counter moves to keep tackles from oversetting. He’s overcome a lot and has an interesting story being open about depression. Should fit as a rusher first with 3-4 outside linebacker upside.
2023 Stats: 25 T, 4 TFL, 3 sacks, 2 PBU, 12 QBH, 1 FF. OSR:14/41. Draft projection: 3rd/4th round