Phillip

Thomas

Washington is set at strong safety with Brandon Meriweather, but the free safety spot is wide open. There’s no denying that Thomas and Rambo have more talent than incumbent options Reed Doughty and DeJon Gomes, but they both face a steep learning curve. Beat writer John Keim thinks Thomas is ahead of Rambo.

A center-fielder with strong cover skills, Thomas picked off eight passes as a senior. He also forced four fumbles, earning first-team All-American honors in the process. The Washington Examiner believes it’s “silly to think” Thomas — who has just 4.65 speed — could earn a starting job as a rookie, but he could vault ahead of veterans Reed Doughty and DeJon Gomes with a strong camp. Fellow rookie Bacarri Rambo is also in the mix.

DBs coach Raheem Morris expects his safeties to all be interchangeable, but for now Thomas is penciled in behind SS Brandon Meriweather and fifth-round pick Bacarri Rambo is competing with DeJon Gomes among others at free safety. Morris considers Thomas a “natural box player” and better run defender than Rambo. The Redskins also envision Thomas as a superior blitzer.

Thomas (6-0, 208) earned unanimous first-team All-America honors as a senior after leading the nation with eight picks, returning three for touchdowns. He added four forced fumbles, establishing himself as a true takeaway specialist. Thomas ran a poor 4.65 40-yard dash at the Combine, but did 28 reps on the bench and turned in a 40.5-inch vertical. While Thomas is a true center-field cover safety, he whiffs as a tackler far too often and can be exposed in run support. He’ll have to contribute on special teams before carving out a role on defense.

Thomas led the nation with eight interceptions last season at Fresno State, and he also forced four fumbles. He’s a true center-field cover safety. Coach Mike Shanahan said he thinks sixth-round S Bacarri Rambo can play strong safety, although Rambo acknowledged that he feels more comfortable at free safety. Thomas has a chance to start opposite SS Brandon Meriweather in Week 1.

Visits to Dr. Anderson don’t typically turn out well. X-rays showed Thomas avoided a fractured foot, but a sprain could sideline him for a while, depending on the severity. Thomas is competing with Brandon Meriweather at strong safety.

“Yeah, I really do think one of them will be on the grass,” Haslett said. “I’m not sure which one, but one of them I think is going to have to. ... We’re saying Rambo is a free safety and [Thomas] is a strong safety.” Rambo (sixth round) was drafted later than Thomas (fourth), but all signs point to Rambo earning the starting job. Veteran FS Reed Doughty is best suited for special teams.

Thomas actually hurt both his left foot and right shoulder in Washington’s preseason opener. Neither injury is viewed as significant. “He’s a little sore right now,” said coach Mike Shanahan. “Mid-foot. ... It’ll probably be a few days.” Thomas is pushing SS Brandon Meriweather for a starting job.

A fourth-round pick, Thomas missed his entire rookie season with a Lisfranc injury two weeks into training camp. The Redskins have major concerns in their secondary going into 2014, but Thomas isn’t being counted on as anything more than a rotational safety until he proves he’s fully healthy. Barring any setbacks, Thomas is expected to be medically cleared for OTAs.

The Bills waived Thomas to make room for OT Justin Renfrow. Thomas joined the Bills’ practice squad late last season and signed a futures contract in January. He logged 27 tackles in eight games for Washington in 2014 but didn’t see the field last season.