Eagles Draft Profile: Western Kentucky CB Cam Thomas

Aug 31, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Cam Thomas (19) breaks up a pass intended for Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver A.J. Legree (6) during the second half at LP Field. Western Kentucky won 35-26. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Film Study

It’s nice to have the size that Cam Thomas possesses but if he can’t do anything on the field, then it’s all a waste. Luckily, that isn’t the case and Thomas brings it on the field. He’s a very physical player that’s solid in coverage and isn’t afraid to get involved against the run as well. It’s been quite a while since the Eagles have had a cornerback that played well against the run, that would be a welcome addition to the team, that’s for sure.

But Thomas isn’t without his weaknesses as well. He is rightfully criticized for “free-lancing” a bit too much while in coverage and sometimes that causes him to take himself out of a play. If Thomas is coached up well, the sky is the limit for him because of his physical traits and mentality.

For his film study, there were only a handful of games available to watch but thanks to the guys over at Draft Breakdown and YouTube user CollegeFBDude, they offered enough tape to breakdown Thomas’ game.

1) The first couple of clips will be from a 2013 game between Western Kentucky and South Alabama. This first play shows off Thomas’ ability as a blitzer. He is lined up outside at cornerback but still gets the sack. What really stood out is how he got his hands up to stop the initial pass and still brought the quarterback down afterwards.

2) Thomas does a good job on this play of staying with his man down the sideline even though he doesn’t get a jam on him at the snap.

3) Once again, Thomas stays with his man stride for stride down the sideline but this time he gets his head around and almost tips the ball away.

4) This next handful of plays is from Western Kentucky against Illinois in 2014. On this first play, Thomas is lined up in off coverage but still breaks on the route and almost causes an interception after breaking up the pass.

5) Thomas does a great job of showing off his read and react skills on this play. He’s initially lined up across from the outside receiver, but once he realizes that receiver is staying short, he tells the slot cornerback to take that man and he blankets the slot receiever all the way down the field causing an incomplete pass.

Next: Film Study (continued)