Tavion Thomas, RB Utah: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Thomas was a three-star recruit from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio in the class of 2018

Tavion Thomas spent two seasons with the Cincinnati Bearcats before transferring. Unfortunately, he didn’t find many options through the transfer portal and ended up at Last Chance U, Independence Community College (ICC). Thomas played his way onto the Utah Utes roster for the 2021 season and showed why he should receive significant consideration for the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Tavion Thomas, RB Utah: 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Classification: Redshirt junior (fifth year) running back from Dayton, Ohio

Background: Thomas was a three-star recruit from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio in the class of 2018. He was the No. 410 recruit according to 247Sports, No. 239 for Rivals, and No. 537 for On3.com. Thomas was an unranked three-star recruit for ESPN with a 78 grade out of 100. As a high school senior, he produced 1,663 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. Thomas also played basketball and participated in track and field. He anchored his 2017 state championship 4x100m relay team. Thomas was invited to the Offense-Defense All-American Bowl and International Bowl IX. He played at Independence Community College (ICC) in 2020 after transferring from Cincinnati. Thomas joined Utah in 2021. He was homeless and sleeping in his car before joining the Utes.

2021 Production: 13 games, 204 carries, 1,108 yards, 21 touchdowns

2020 Production: 4 games, 50 carries, 347 yards, 5 touchdowns

2019 Production: 4 games, 40 carries, 190 yards, 1 touchdown (Redshirt Year)

2018 Production: 10 games, 89 carries, 499 yards, 6 touchdowns

Injuries & Off-Field: He was homeless and sleeping in his career before joining the Utes, arrived at the program overweight, sat out one game as an injury precaution (2021)

Awards: 2021 First-Team All-Pac-12

Pros: Massive running back with the size to generate movement even against loaded boxes, rare size and bulk for the position, he’ll be as big or bigger than some NFL linebackers, not a burner but he’ll break a few big gainers, excellent contact balance, survives high tackles and arm tackles, finishes falling forward, lower body has the strength to persevere through low tackle attempts, doesn’t fear contact at all, knows how to use his blockers, much quicker footwork and cuts than expected for a back with his size, shows some lateral agility, displays cuts, sidesteps, and occasionally uses the “dead leg” move at multiple levels, burst isn’t elite but it’s adequate to threaten the defense’s third level, has the size to become a brick wall in pass protection, converts power to speed

Cons: Almost no experience in the slot, has two drops on six career targets, never been an active part of the passing game, only about a dozen reps in pass pro last year, three fumbles in 2021 to go along with two in 2019 and three in 2018, arrived at Utah overweight, naturally runs higher than most backs, lacks home run speed, burst is on the lower end for the top backs in this draft, not twitchy, might suffer from tightness and poor bend in his hips

Overview: Thomas is unofficially listed at 6'2", 238 lbs. He tied for 11th in the nation among running backs with 62 forced missed tackles as a runner last year, narrowly trailing Sean Tucker (66). Thomas has all of the physical traits you want to see in a back with his size. He finishes falling forward, drags smaller defenders for extra yards, is a beast in the red zone, and displays strength throughout his frame. Unlike most larger backs, Thomas displays quick footwork and the ability to hit cuts, sidesteps, and other moves in small spaces and in quick succession. The biggest knocks against Thomas revolve around his total lack of involvement as a pass catcher and pass blocker. Not displaying these skills puts him at a disadvantage entering the NFL. Thomas also suffers from some stiffness in his lower body, which contributes to him running with a high pad level.

Overall, Thomas’ lack of involvement in pass protection and in the receiving game caps his ceiling until he proves capable in either area. However, he is a unique enough athlete that I wouldn’t drop him any lower than the third round. Thomas’ footwork and cuts at his size are that impressive.

Role & Scheme Fit: Early down feature back and red zone threat in a gap or inside zone scheme

Round Projection: Early Third to Late Third

Player Comparison: N/A

Submitted: 07-20-22