Rookie Review: Lawrence Thomas

If you can't remember Lawrence Thomas, then that's understandable. Thomas appeared in only 3 games (1 start) before being placed on IR with a torn labrum in his shoulder, he wouldn't appear for the Jets again in 2016, but finds himself on the roster, ready to fight for a place in 2017.

It's easy to look past Thomas due to his lack of playing time and his injury. However this was the man who was getting first team reps after impressing coaches through the first few weeks of camp.

After arriving at East Lansing as a highly recruited linebacker, Thomas would appear as a fullback before settling down to play on the defensive line. He would slowly build his reputation as a hard working lineman with excellent athleticism and a great motor. It was these same skills that earned Thomas a spot on the Jets final 53 man squad.

It'll be interesting to see if Thomas can continue to build on his impressive camp from last year. In three games he appeared in he only registered 4 total tackles, but as a rotational defensive lineman, you're not expecting his stat sheet to jump out at you. He can play outside or inside, and I think finding his best position will be a job for the coaches this off-season, his frame is capable of adding good bulk if they want him to move inside.

Thomas will need to fight for his spot on the 53 man roster again this year. The best he can likely hope for is as a rotational depth guy. However it will also depend on what the Jets decide to do with the likes of Sheldon Richardson and Steve McLendon.

Just as a note on this series. I won't be covering any players who the Jets carried on the practice squad who didn't make a start for the team. So guys like Claude Pelon and Jason Vander Laan. Mainly because outside of saying we signed them, released them and then signed them, there isn't much to say.