Chase

Thomas

A rookie undrafted free agent, Thomas was a four-year starter at Stanford, racking up 27.5 sacks. Talent-deficient Oakland is the right place for a young player to latch on, but Thomas is still a roster long-shot.

Thomas (6-foot-3, 244) was a four-year starter for the Cardinal, playing end as a freshman before moving to SAM ‘backer in Stanford’s revised 3-4 for his final three seasons. He tallied a whopping 50 career tackles for loss, 27.5 sacks, and nine forced fumbles. Thomas ran 4.91 at the Combine with a 1.64 ten-yard split. While he lacks edge speed and fluid cover skills, Thomas can win with sound pass-rushing technique. He also plays tough run defense. Thomas could stick in a wide-open outside linebacker corps in New Orleans.

He’s the first Raider to be cut loose. Claimed off waivers from the Saints 11 days ago, Thomas racked up huge numbers at Stanford, but is hurt by his 4.91 speed off the edge. He’s going to have a hard time making a living in the NFL.

Vujnovich is an undrafted free agent out of small-school Louisiana College. Thomas was a “name” UDFA last spring after racking up huge numbers at Stanford, but is severely limited by his 4.91 speed. He’ll compete for one of the Packers’ final special teams spots in training camp.

Thomas was signed by the Saints as a priority undrafted free agent last year but has been with four teams since. He’ll try to latch on as a camp body elsewhere.

A former undrafted free agent, Thomas made the first five appearances of his career last season, but played zero snaps on defense. He’ll undoubtedly begin 2015 on the reserve/PUP list, and will likely miss the entire year. Thomas turns 26 in June.

The move likely means Dan Skuta (questionable, ankle) will not be available against the Saints. An UDFA out of Stanford, Thomas should see some rotational pass rushing snaps against New Orleans.