Charlie Thomas was originally brought to Georgia Tech as a safety, but moved to linebacker in the 2021 offseason after playing in 2020 as a safety. He has a very long and lanky body, something that might fit in a modern defense very well, especially with all of the pass coverage teams are asking these players to perform.

Charlie Thomas

4-3 OLB – Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

HT: 6021
WT: 207
Year: Super Senior
High School: Thomasville (Thomasville, GA)
Rating: 3-star (0.8681)

Projected Draft Grade: Rotational Spot Starter.

Projection: 4th/5th Round.

Charlie Thomas scouting notes

Pros:

• Good athlete, should be among the top in his position group during testing. 
• Very sudden lateral athlete. Shows good body control and can change direction well. 
• Decent tackler. Tends to wrap up and control the tackle. Can deliver a good hit on impact.
• Flashes solid pursuit ability within the box. Solid closing speed. 
• Excellent timing on his blitzes. 
• Decent space defender. 
• Flashes the ability to play tight man coverage against running backs. Has the size to compete with tight ends. 
• Gets very solid depth in zone coverage. Tends to feel it well. Drops well both into the flat and into the hooks. Would be very effective in a heavy cover 2 defense. 
• Flashes huge playmaking ability from time to time. 

Cons:

• Lacks upper body strength. Doesn’t handle contact well, especially against offensive linemen. Too easily bumped out of his position. 
• Will need to bulk up better to play the position at the next level (unless he’s used more as a ROVER).
• Doesn’t offer a lot as a pass rusher in terms of finesse. Struggles to get off of tight ends while being blocked. 
• Shows average play recognition. Would like to know more about his film study habits.