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Measurement Smith Thomas
Height 6'4" 6'4"
Weight 263 lbs 273 lbs
Arm Length 35 3/8" 33"
Hand Length 9 3/4" 9 3/8"
40 Time 4.78 s 4.69 s
Bench Press 20 reps 30 reps
Vertical Jump 34" 35"
Broad Jump 118" 126"
3-Cone Time 7.19 s 6.95 s
20-Yard Shuttle 4.50 s 4.28 s

From these numbers, you can see that Thomas is a little heavier, not as long, but faster, stronger, and more athletic. To me, it doesn't seem like such a crazy idea to have Thomas play on the outside. Aldon's arm length is quite an anomaly, but arm length isn't necessarily such a huge factor like it's portrayed. Some notable and highly-rated pass rushers who've had success last year with similar arm length to Thomas include:

J.J. Watt - 34" (2016: [injured] 1.5 sacks/2015: 17.5 sacks) Michael Bennett - 33 3/5" (2016: 5 sacks/2015: 10 sacks) Von Miller - 33 1/2" (2016: 13.5 sacks/2015: 11 sacks) Khalil Mack - 33 1/4" (2016: 11 sacks/2015: 15 sacks) Everson Griffen - 32 5/8" (2016: 8 sacks 2015: 10.5 sacks) Yannick Ngakoue - 32 1/2" (2016: 8 sacks/rookie) Brandon Graham - 32 1/2" (2016: 5 sacks/2015: 6.5 sacks)

Thomas was a top performer at the combine compared to other defensive linemen with the 5th best vertical jump, 5th best broad jump, 4th most bench reps, 4th best 3-cone time, and 3rd best 20-yard shuttle time.

Thomas is rated very highly by draft analysts and from observing this interview at his pro day and this combine press conference, it is apparent that he is an incredibly respectful and well-spoken individual that fits the high-character standard that Lynch has preached about on occasion - guys that can represent our franchise well.

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