Cam

Thomas

Thomas has started just five games in his short career, but veterans Antonio Garay and Aubrayo Franklin are no longer sporting powder blue. It’s Thomas’ turn. The 6-foot-4, 335-pound behemoth could be looking at a nice pay day if he shows well in his new role. Thomas has one year left on his rookie deal. He’ll be flanked by Corey Liuget and Kendall Reyes on the defensive line.

Thomas has started just five games in his career, but he’s been an important rotational lineman who has shown the ability to put pressure on the quarterback. He has 47 career tackles to go with six sacks. Thomas was a fifth-round pick out of North Carolina in 2010, and is entering the final year of his contract.

Nwagbuo, miscast as a nose tackle at just 300 pounds, faded badly in the second half after taking over for Jamal Williams last year. Thomas is far more talented than either veteran, so he’ll be given more responsibility as the season progresses.

It’s a huge downgrade from Jamal Williams, who signed with the Broncos as a free agent. Scott is just 6'3/302 and was signed off the street last October. Fifth-round pick Cam Thomas could eventually push him, but the Chargers figure to struggle against the run again this year.

Thomas has started ten games this season, but he and Lissemore have been rotating. The Chargers are surrendering 115.8 yards on the ground per game, good for the No. 19 spot in the league. 27-year-old Thomas, who is in a contract year, has graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 56 defensive tackle out of 69 qualifiers. Lissemore was acquired from the Cowboys in the summer.

Thomas didn’t generate much interest on the open market, though he did visit the Seahawks at the beginning of free agency. The 29-year-old contributed 11 tackles in 16 games for Pittsburgh last year. He gives the Rams some depth at defensive tackle behind starters Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers.

The eighth-year pro appeared in all 16 games for the Rams last season, playing 391 snaps. He will provide rotational depth in Kansas City if he manages to crack the 53-man roster.

It was Thomas’ only visit of free agency. He appeared in all 16 games in 2013, starting ten, and made 23 tackles. Thomas is best against the run but isn’t a game changer and doesn’t generate much pressure as a pass rusher. His addition could force NT Steve McLendon to one of the end spots, replacing departed Ziggy Hood.

Thomas was a 3-4 nose tackle with San Diego, but the Steelers plan to use him at five-technique end opposite Cameron Heyward. Still only 27 years old, Thomas offers some upside as a two-gap lineman whose primary responsibility will be run stopping. He likely won’t play on passing downs. The Steelers lean on their linebackers and Dick LeBeau’s zone blitzes to create pressure.

Thomas has never lacked talent, but his consistency has been a huge issue in the pros, and he was benched late last season for Sean Lissemore. If you’ve never head of Lissemore, we don’t blame you. Thomas is 27 years old.