Chase Thomas, OLB

04/29/2013 - New Orleans Saints Announce 2013 Rookie Free Agent Class...Chase Thomas - Linebacker, Stanford (6-3, 241): Thomas appeared in 52 games with 47 starts at both defensive end and outside linebacker at Stanford, finishing with 229 tackles, 27.5 sacks, 50.5 stops for a loss, two interceptions, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. An All-Pac 12 Conference first-team choice as a senior by league coaches and media, the Marietta, Ga. native finished second on the team with 71 tackles, tied for second with 14.5 stops for a loss and filled up the stat sheet with 7.5 sacks, one interception, four passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. - NewOrleansSaints.com

Full Chase Thomas News Wire

Coming into the season, the senior?s draft stock was all over the map, some believing he was first round material while others thought he was a late round pick. But Thomas? overachieving attitude and combination of strength and smarts has cemented his value in the top 75 range, and possibly higher as April gets closer.

Thomas? impact for Stanford?s defense is felt way past the box score with his constant disruption on the pocket and against the run.

In an overtime loss to Notre Dame in South Bend in October, he was extremely active with stunts and pressures, attacking from different angles and directions. Thomas showed strong hands and wrists to stack and shed quickly to keep blockers off balance.

He is tough to contain because of his energetic playing style and quick feet to avoid blockers, using arm-over technique to gain leverage and break through the line of scrimmage. Thomas plays disciplined with a high football IQ.

Although he isn?t naturally explosive or a quick-twitch pass rusher, he plays fast and hard with controlled aggression and goes at full speed any time he?s on the field.

--Dane Brugler