Last years prediction: Earl Thomas

I wrote an article last season about Earl Thomas after a preseason game last year. I thought he shined and was my pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He did end up coming a bit short, but the potential is there.

UPDATE:

One play sticks out in my mind from last Sunday's match-up at San Francisco that show's Earl's growth in 2011. Thomas hit Frank Gore for a 3 yard loss in the 2nd half. The hit was incredible. Thomas came streaking down from his prevent position deep and was able to close 15 yards in an instant. Gore was so surprised by the closing speed, he literally froze and was dropped in a vicious collision. Thomas has such great speed that he is able to bring the hammer like a much larger man than his listed 202 pounds (202 pounds is probably not his real weight. my guess: 209-212 lbs).

Quote from a 49ers fan:

"Speaking of Earl Thomas, that guy is going to be a thorn in the 49ers side for a LONG time. It seems like everytime it was third down that guy was making the play preventing us from getting it. He's a good one and needs to be accounted for."

Here is my original article on Earl (posted September 21st 2010):

Earl Thomas, the Seattle Seahawks rookie safety had seven solo tackles in a loss Sunday against the Denver Broncos. One of those tackles was a touchdown saving stick on the slippery Denver back Knowshon Moreno after Moreno left ten other Hawks hugging air. As Moreno hit full speed with a convoy of blockers heading up the sideline, Thomas made a diving hit reminiscent of Troy Polamalu. Scouts have often made this comparison because they both have similar physical & athletic attributes, ball hawking ability and aggressive nature. Thomas is 5'10, 210 pounds, has 4.3 speed, tremendous feet, acceleration and instincts. He was one of the youngest players in the 2010 draft and is already playing at an extremely high level for Seattle.

Thomas intercepted a tipped pass in pre-season and took the ball 87 yards to the house. His crushing hit on Percy Harvin in the same game showed his ferocious nature. Harvin had to leave the game after getting chewed up and spit out by the Hurricane Earl crosswind. This is a grown man's game and Earl is the boy who would be king. Already with 15 tackles in two games, he should have many opportunities going forward because of the Hawks apparently stout run defense and when this guy has the ball in the open field, he has a little "Primetime" in him as well. Pick him up in your fantasy leagues as a IDP keeper.

The sky is the limit for the young safety in Seattle. Look for Earl Thomas to be Defensive Rookie of the Year.