Xavier Thomas drafted in fifth round by Cardinals |
The next stage in a Clemson defender's career is heading out West.
Xavier Thomas was selected No. 138 overall within the fifth round of the NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday. Thomas is a third Clemson defensive selection of the draft and a second from the D-line, joining Ruke Orhorhoro (35; Falcons). Thomas' pick is slotted $4.1 million overall and a $371,000 signing bonus (Spotrac). Coaches reaction Head Coach Dabo Swinney: “Man, I’m so happy for Xavier Thomas. This is truly a day that a couple of years ago I wasn’t sure was ever going to happen. I’m so proud of this kid. I’m so proud of how he’s persevered and hung in there. He’s overcome so many different things, and, man, he’s one of the more confident and determined guys that I’ve seen at this point in his career. When you go through all the things that he’s been through and come out the other side, if you’re made of the right stuff, it will really shine you up and that’s what it has done for him. He’s an explosive athlete. Can do a lot of different things, especially rushing the passer. He can play special teams. He’s a very, very committed guy as far as trying to work on his craft. He’s very experienced. When he came to Clemson, he was probably destined to leave in three years, but here he is six years later, and he is definitely the best version of himself. He is a guy that I think is going to be a fun guy to coach for their defensive coordinator because I don’t think people really know what they’re going to have in him. He’s unique in that he’s not your typical defensive end, but his speed and his strength and his ability to turn speed into power is something that’s going to serve him well in this next step in his journey.” Clemson notes on Thomas selection – Thomas became the 81st NFL Draft selection in Dabo Swinney’s head coaching tenure and the 16th fifth-round pick of his tenure. – Thomas became the 16th Clemson player drafted by the Cardinals all-time, joining E Gus Goins (1939), B Shad Bryant (1940), T Earl Wrightenberry (1953), T Bill Hudson (1957), T Harold Olson (1960), T Jimmy King (1961), T Ricky Johnson (1966), C Wayne Mulligan (1969), T Joe Bostic (1979), PK Bob Paulling (1984), TE K.D. Dunn (1985), CB Dexter Davis (1991), DT Vance Hammond (1991), RB Andre Ellington (2013) and LB Isaiah Simmons (2020). – Thomas became the third Clemson player drafted specifically by the Arizona Cardinals. Clemson had four players drafted by the Chicago Cardinals, seven drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, two drafted by the Phoenix Cardinals and now three drafted by the Arizona Cardinals. – Thomas was the third Clemson player drafted with the No. 138 overall pick all-time, joining C Ralph Jenkins (1947) and SS Leomont Evans (1996). – Thirteen of Clemson’s 16 primary defensive end starters in Dabo Swinney’s 15 full seasons as head coach have been either drafted or signed into the NFL (Da’Quan Bowers, Ricky Sapp, Andre Branch, Malliciah Goodman, Corey Crawford, Vic Beasley, Kevin Dodd, Shaq Lawson, Clelin Ferrell, Austin Bryant, Myles Murphy, K.J. Henry and Thomas). Justin Mascoll can become the 14th if he is signed to a free agent contract in the coming weeks. – Thomas and fellow defensive end Justin Mascoll were part of the last cohort of players from Clemson’s 2018 national championship squad to enter the NFL. That squad produced 23 NFL Draft picks and 19 college free agent signings (potentially 20 pending resolution of Mascoll’s NFL pursuit). – Thomas became the 22nd member of Clemson’s front seven to be drafted since the 2015 NFL Draft. Entering the 2024 NFL Draft, Dabo Swinney ranked first among active coaches and second among all coaches — active or inactive — in front-seven draft picks produced in that span. Clemson bio Explosive edge rusher who made an immediate impact as a reserve in 2018, earning near-unanimous Freshman All-American acclaim ... two-time all-conference selection (2019 and 2021) ... credited with 133 tackles (34.0 for loss), nine pass breakups, six forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 1,865 career snaps over 61 games (30 starts) from 2018-23 ... exited Clemson as one of nine players in school history — one of seven non-specialists and one of four defensive players — to play in 60 career games at Clemson ... story of perseverance who has spoken candidly about battling depression during his career and overcoming adversity to become a valued veteran leader. NFL draft prospect rankings PFF: 83 ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr.): Not in Top 150 ESPN (Matt Miller): 222 ESPN (Jordan Reid): 184 The Athletic: Not in Top 100 (5th-6th round projection) NFL.com grade/analysis Grade: 6.00 (“Traits or talent to be above-average backup”) Analysis: “Edge defender who plays with good technique and unwavering energy. Thomas will get widened out at the point of attack or knocked out of his gap by power, but his first-step quickness gives him the ability to disrupt from the back side or when playing in the gaps. Thomas is a one-speed rusher who prefers to attack up and around the arc, but he needs to add relevant counters to go with it. He has the effort and hand usage to keep getting better as a rusher and could find an NFL home as an eventual starter or designated pass rusher in a 3-4 defense.” - Lance Zierlein Leaving Clemson as a legend with 34.0 tackles for loss and 17.5 sacks under his belt! 🔥 THROW UP THE X, ARIZONA. @atxlete x @AZCardinals #ALLIN #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/SFbuX6wC4j Xavier Thomas was drafted in round 4 pick 138 in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 8.17 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 330 out of 1798 DE from 1987 to 2024. https://t.co/P0nywPfzfS pic.twitter.com/qp9SwoqgpP From Death Valley to The Valley pic.twitter.com/ZfGP6OYfsN Xavier Thomas was the 58th player on my board. My no. 6 edge rusher in the class. Xavier Thomas was once thought of as a potential future 1st round pick. Has that upside if healthy but that has been the issue. #Cardinals “Arizona.” One word. Explosive.@atxlete x @AZCardinals pic.twitter.com/7ssQdFCXVM Bringing in a monster pic.twitter.com/6MAKI0zcov When your life changes. @AZCardinals x @atxlete pic.twitter.com/RMUWmR9S1a AZ WHAT UP!!!!!! LETS GET TO WORK .@atxlete with a message for the Clemson Family 🐅 pic.twitter.com/zLmI7boE5Z
Xavier's impact on the field is undeniable! @ClemsonFB | @atxlete | #ACCFootball | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/LYnw5ZsBOg
The tape is really good. Edge rushers with his explosiveness and ability to win the edge usually translate quickly to the NFL. Relentless play style. Gonna have a chance to contribute in AZ.
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB)
April 27, 2024
We’re so proud of you @atxlete 🧡 pic.twitter.com/SL36KYrwIY
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