The case for Cam Thomas & Sean Weatherspoon
 

Ok, the last time I saw a DT from North Carolina rise up draft boards as fast as I think Thomas will rise, in the coming weeks, it was Ryan Sims. I hope he doesn't go that high, but his size is rare and with all the recent teams converting to a 3-4, I could see it happening. His draft status is rising thanks to a strong Senior Bowl and he's looking like a 2nd rounder. He's viewed as a guy who could play NT or DE in a 3-4 and has incredible arm length at 34.25". I wouldn't be shocked if New England took him in the first. Teams drafting ahead of us could take him in the 2nd, if they pass on or miss out on Suh or McCoy. He's pretty solid for 330 lbs at just under 6'4".

Regarding Sean Weatherspoon; why not take him as a ILB in our 3-4? He has the size and he's getting some press as a possible at that spot, but apparently Goonther fell in love with him at the Senior Bowl so I wouldn't think he'd get past Detroit in the 2nd, especially if they get Suh in the first. I guess if an OT fell to them they might opt for that.

If we could get Berry, Weatherspoon, Thomas (in that order) I'd be a very happy Chiefs fan.

He won't go that high he'll probably be a late second round pick, or early third rounder

Weatherspoon is going to go to high for the Chiefs, he's a 20's type of pick.

Weatherspoon will either go in the first round or to st louis at the beginning at the second

I'd consider Thomas at 2b.

Weatherspoon's not for us, though.

Depends on whether STL takes either Clausen or Bradford. They could take a DT with their 2nd since many have projected Suh to be going there.
Like I said about Detroit though, I don't see him getting past them in round 2.

Regarding Cam Thomas' 34.25" arm length, TJ had 32 7/8", Wilfork had 32

1. S - Eric Berry
2a. OG - Mike Iupati
2b. OLB - Brandon Graham
3. NT - Cam Thomas
4. WR - Denario Alexander
5. OT - Chris Scott
5. RB - Montario Hardesty

FA - MLB Karlos Dansby (ARZ)
OG Eugene Amano (TEN)

I like your mock. IMO Graham won't be there in round 2 at all, and I'd personally like to see another playmaker at 2a instead of guard. I think our biggest problem on the offensive line is center.

That's a lot of Tennessee players.

Getting Iupati at that spot would be a great pick.

I have a feeling that Iupati is going in the first.

true. but they're all good players, and would be good picks IMO.

Brian Waters won't be around forever. He might play for 2 more seasons.

I don't think either of your 2nd round picks will make it out of the 1st round.

Interview with Cam Thomas

Cam Thomas (6-foot-4, 331 pounds) spent four seasons clogging running lanes at North Carolina. After ringing up 83 totals tackles and nine TFLs during his stint with the Tarheels, Thomas is set to take his game to the next level. He shares his journey with us in this exclusive series following his path to the draft.

Michael Lombardo: Talk about your experience at the Senior Bowl. Was it what you expected?

Thomas: It was a great experience for a guy like me. It was a different environment being out there with all those great players where you can showcase your talent. It shows that you can play amongst men, so it was a really good experience.

ML: Were you able to accomplish everything you wanted to?

Thomas: I feel like I did, for the most part. There's still some stuff you can grow on and get better at. I take everything day by day. It's not over with yet.

ML: How did your meetings go with the NFL teams in attendance? Did any of them stand out?

Thomas: All of them were basically the same. All of them were taking notes. All of them know that I'm a big guy. The Combine.

ML: Were any of the interviews more in-depth than the others?

Thomas: All of them said the same thing, man, there was nothing really different. They all see me as that big anchor guy who can plug that hole up.

ML: Are you drawing more interest from 3-4 teams or 4-3 teams?

Thomas: I can play either a 4-3 or a 3-4, you know, because at Carolina we basically did both of them. It's not that different.

ML: What is the difference for you between the two schemes?

Thomas: In a 3-4 you're head-up over the center, at the zero, and in a 4-3 you have the shade. It's really nothing different. You're right there on the center each time.

ML: Is playing nose tackle in a 3-4 a more demanding position?

Thomas: You take a lot of abuse [as a nose tackle], so you have to be a man to play that position.

ML: Let me ask you about one 3-4 team in particular, the San Diego Chargers. Did you meet with them during Senior Bowl week?

Thomas: Yeah, I met with the Chargers out there. They used to come to the school and stuff. They're looking for a nose. I met with their scout and he was a really good guy, so it went pretty well. I think he's one of the head guys [in San Diego], but I can't remember what his name was.

ML: The reason the Chargers are seeking a nose is that starter Jamal Williams is 33 years old and on the final year of his contract. What would it be like to share playing time with him next season, knowing he's been one of the best in the NFL for the last 10 years?

Thomas: The thing is, I'm going to ask questions. He's one of the best at his job, so I'd want to be around him and stick to him like glue. I'd just try to take away his knowledge of the game with what to do and what not to do. I'd work hard every day to improve my game.

ML: Other than Williams, are there any other defensive linemen you look up to or have been compared to?

Thomas: I've heard people say I'm like Albert Haynesworth a little bit, that I'm a little Albert Haynesworth in the making because of my strength. I have more strength than meets the eye.

ML: It doesn't hurt that following in Haynesworth's footsteps leads to a $100 million contact.

Thomas: Hey, if that were to happen, it'd be a blessing.

ML: Are there any NFL players who are giving you advice about the whole pre-draft process?

Thomas: My homeboy, Kentwan Balmer, he plays for the 49ers and I talk to him a lot. He tells me not to worry about the stuff I'm going through and tells me I haven't really seen nothing yet. He gives me wisdom, you know, what not to do, to work hard, don't lose that hunger.

ML: What are you goals for the NFL Combine?

Thomas: Just to go out there and show them what I can do. Also, I want to run a 4.9 [in the 40-yard dash]. I've been timed at 5.0 before and I think I can do it.

http://sdg.scout.com/2/945549.html