Arizona Cardinals visit with cornerback prospect

The Arizona Cardinals continue to prepare for the 2019 NFL Draft.According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Arizona Cardinals join the Miami Dolphins as the two teams to have a private workout with Baylor cornerback Derrek Thomas.

Once a wide receiver at Temple, Thomas joined former Temple head coach Matt Rhule at Baylor as a cornerback — a position he switched to during his time in Philadelphia. In turn, the 6-3, 194-pound defender found success, which has put him on the NFL’s radar as a potential late-round pick or priority undrafted free agent.

Thomas performed well at the annual NFL Combine; his results include a 4.44 second 40-yard-dash, 39.5-inch vertical leap, and 131-inch broad jump, all top-five amongst attendees at the event.

In his lone season at Baylor Thomas tallied 17 total tackles, seven pass deflections, and an interception — all impressive numbers for a third-year cornerback. Per Pro Football Focus, Thomas allowed just three touchdowns, 28 receptions, and 283 yards in the pass-happy Big 12. He also allowed a below average 82.4 passer rating in coverage, per PFF.

Again, Thomas isn’t expected to get his name called until later in the draft. Although he possesses an ideal frame and eye-popping athletic ability, his tape resembles a raw player still learning the position.

But, Thomas is an intriguing prospect which the Arizona Cardinals can afford to potentially develop him while Patrick Peterson and Robert Alford lock down the position for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

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