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With the 239th Pick in the NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select Rodney Thomas II, DB, Yale University.

Meet Rodney Thomas II:

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Background:

A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, Rodney Thomas II played high school football at Central Catholic High School in the Western Pennsylvania area. During his time in high school, Thomas was captain of his track team and played basketball. He was a star for his football team, though, of course, where he played wide receiver and defensive back, earning all-state honors as a defensive back. He went on to play college football at Yale, where he began as a backup defensive back and eventually switched to linebacker, where he started nine games for Yale in 2019. Unfortunately, Yale did not have a college season in 2020, so Thomas ended up switching back to safety in 2021.

Play Style:

Given his multi-sport background, it is no surprise that Rodney Thomas II grades out as a great athlete at safety, but… he grades out as an even better athlete at cornerback, where I think his future lies in the NFL. He scores a 9.57 out of 10 on the Relative Athletic Score (RAS) as a cornerback. Last season, Rodney Thomas II recorded 11 pass breakups, two interceptions, and 50 total tackles at safety. On film, he displays a willingness to get after it in the run game and shows promising coverage skills. I can see why the Colts and many others project him as a Corner at the next level. His athleticism, production, and traits were worth a 7th-round pick. However, I think his best chance of sticking on this roster will be by making plays on special teams, and he may just end up as a practice squad player next season.

Fun Facts:

He enjoys fishing in his free time and is related to All-Pro fullback and tight end Keith Byars.

 

Twitter Opinions:

Zach Schankerman

Hey Colts Nation! I am so excited to be writing for The Blue Stable Team, looking forward to creating dialogue around a team I've been a fan of my whole life!

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