6-foot-4
267 pounds
Yahoo Sports’ 2022 NFL draft grade
5.61 — possible third- or fourth-rounder; contributor potential
TL;DR scouting report
Highly productive, high-energy edge rusher who lacks elite traits and length but profiles as a solid base edge defender
The skinny
A 2-star Rivals recruit in the Class of 2018, Thomas — and his twin brother, Zach — committed to the Aztecs. He played in the bowl game as a freshman, preserving his redshirt status, but came back in 2019 to play in 13 games (12 starts) at defensive tackle and total 49 tackles (nine TFLs), 5.5 sacks and two batted passes.
In 2020, Thomas started eight games (half at tackle, half at end) and collect 35 tackles (9.5 TFLs), four sacks and one pass defended. He was named Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year, totaling 71 tackles (20.5 TFLs), 11.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 14 starts at defensive end. Thomas played at the 2022 Senior Bowl but suffered a hamstring injury in the opening practice warmups and was sidelined the entire week.
CARSON, CA – NOVEMBER 26: A close up of Cameron Thomas #99 of the San Diego State Aztecs helmet against the Boise State Broncos on November 26, 2021 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
Upside
Textbook edge-rusher frame and good athletic profile
Exceptional agility testing numbers — 6.91-second 3-cone, 4.25-second short shuttle
Works gaps and slants laterally well — can knife into the backfield
Nice initial quickness off the snap
Makes hustle plays from the backside routinely
Lived in backfield in 2021 — only Bama’s Will Anderson Jr. had more pressures, per PFF
Played out of position on the interior 2019-2020 and acquitted himself well
Has played every technique up and down the line
Plays with head up and able to locate ball readily, even in traffic
Iron man — hasn’t missed a game in three years, averaged 56 snaps/game in 2021
Excellent, consistent motor — runs hot and rarely leaves anything in the…