Seahawks 2021 draft target: Ambry Thomas could be a steal

The Seahawks need long-term help at cornerback. In the early 2010s, John Schneider made a habit of finding steals in the draft. Ambry Thomas could be the next one. Remember how Richard Sherman went in the fifth round of 2011? Or Kam Chancellor in 2010? That was a while ago but Schneider is due for another.

Ambry Thomas opted out of the 2020 season and it will cost him draft status. Thomas is a good player with good size for a cornerback and could have shown that he was worthy of at least being a second round pick. But he didn’t play and he will fall in the draft.

Thomas has some technique issues he will need to work on. This seems odd for a team coached by former 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh but Harbaugh has basically been a failure overall since he came to Michigan. Ohio State produces good NFL players and a lot of them. Michigan doesn’t.

Seahawks getting Ambry Thomas in round four or beyond would be a steal

Had Thomas gone to Ohio State he would be better set up for the NFL and out of range for Seattle to choose. He didn’t go to OSU, though. Thomas could fall as far as round five and if this happens Seattle must choose him. At 6 feet tall and 190 pounds Thomas could even gain 10 pounds or so and not lose quickness.

Thomas also has the requisite arm length for a Seahawks corner. Anything past 32 inches is good. Thomas measures at 32.25″. Thomas also has a lot of speed and can run a 4.4 40. That is definitely fast enough for a Pete Carroll corner.

The question becomes whether the pounds Thomas would need to add in the NFL make him a better tackler when taking on bigger receivers and running backs. A Seahawk corner must tackle well and whether Thomas can do that is still in question.

As far as potential for being a good coverage corner, Thomas should be ready by 2022. Technique can also teach how to be a good tackler. The Seahawks taking Thomas in round four or beyond would make for an exceptional pick and likely the next big steal in John Schneider’s lore.