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Do not call him Lawrence Thomas, #97, defensive tackle. Call him Lawrence Thomas, #44, fullback.
Lawrence Thomas will line up at FB and will play defense in "emergency." Switched jersey because he will play more offense.
— Ethan B. Greenberg (@EthanBGreenberg) October 4, 2017
Lawrence Thomas is now a fullback and will play defense only in emergency situations, said Todd Bowles.
— Darryl Slater (@DarrylSlater) October 4, 2017
The 6’3, 286 pound defensive tackle that signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State in 2016 is now permanently switching to the fullback position. He appeared sporadically at DT in his brief career, making four tackles in 2016 and one this year. Thomas had played some fullback in college, but never appeared at the position for the Jets until the Week 3 game against Miami. He’s impressed there over the last two weeks, mostly with his blocking ability but also with an impressive 15 yard catch and run in the Dolphins game.
Thomas played 22% of the offensive snaps in Week 3, followed by 17% in Week 4. He’s looked comfortable in the role. Will he see more playing time and touches? If so, can he be an effective contributor after such a quick position change? This is an interesting move by the team. Give them a little credit for looking in-house to upgrade a longtime lethargic position.