[ad_1]
It was only a few days in the past that the information of Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams throwing a punch “at a rookie teammate” went viral. Williams, the twelfth decide of the 2022 NFL Draft, had been struggling throughout the first week of camp.
The rookie teammate the punch was directed at was former UAB cornerback Starling Thomas. Not one of the tales reporting on the altercation went in-depth on Thomas. They in all probability ought to’ve.
•
” class=”promoted-img” loading=”lazy” width=”1440″ height=”220″ alt=”nfl-wordle-promotional-banner” />The Detroit Lions had eight choices in final April’s draft, together with six picks within the high 100. They used none of these selections on Thomas, reasonably they signed him instantly after the draft.
Thomas had choices to signal with quite a few groups, however he settled on Detroit, because the cornerback-needy Lions supplied him a fantastic alternative to make an lively roster.
And early in camp, it seems as if that’s precisely what Thomas might find yourself doing.
After a profitable profession at UAB which included 21 PBUs his last two seasons on the college, Thomas stood out throughout three days of Shrine Bowl observe in January. Many believed he deserved an invite to the Combine, but it by no means arrived.
With a little bit of a chip on his shoulder, Thomas was the star of professional day at UAB, timing 4.38 seconds within the 40, touching 37.5 inches within the vertical bounce and even finishing 14 reps on the bench press.
Thomas has shown much of that athleticism and prowess in the opening weeks of Lions camp. Executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes is a big fan of Thomas and has been singing the praises of the rookie corner, who has been super feisty and competitive in camp, which is part of the reason for the altercation with Williams.
What led to the Starling Thomas vs Jameson Williams fight?
Tensions between Thomas and Williams in Monday’s practice were high from the get-go. Thomas called out Williams during drills then the cornerback proceeded to knock away a pass directed at the Lions first selection of the 2022 draft. The response from Williams was a punch thrown in the direction of Thomas.
People in the facility say Thomas really wants it; he doesn’t back down to anyone and is the first guy at practice then the last one to leave.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, a former first-round draft pick at cornerback, called Thomas “raw” yet also tossed several compliments his way.
Glenn pointed out the physicality and competitiveness of Thomas as well as his athleticism. There’s a real opportunity for Thomas to make the Lions’ active roster, especially with projected starter Emmanuel Moseley still not 100 percent healthy. The undrafted rookie is presently fighting to be the team’s fifth defensive back, and Detroit is relying on Thomas to be a gunner on special teams.
It’s a matter of Thomas translating the ability he’s displayed during practice onto the field once the preseason opens against the New York Giants on August 11. If he’s ready to do this, folks in Detroit inform me they might be shocked if Thomas isn’t on the lively roster come Week 1.
[ad_2]
