New England Patriots NFL Draft Analysis for 2014 season and 2015 and Beyond

Nov 2, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive back Jemea Thomas (14) returns a kickoff against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Tech won 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

Round: 6, Pick: 30 (Overall: 206) Jemea Thomas, S, Georgia Tech:

Overview:

The Patriots selected Georgia Tech defensive back Jemea Thomas with their third and final sixth round draft pick. Thomas has the versatility that New England covets in the secondary as he played cornerback, slot cornerback, and safety. He is instinctive and has special-teams experience.  Thomas looks like a solid program fit in New England. The only knock against him is his size as he is just five-foot-nine and 192 pounds.

2014 Role:

Thomas will have to earn a role on special teams to make the roster with the stacked secondary in 2014. With experience on special teams including returning kicks as a senior, Thomas has a shot to earn a role. Otherwise, he is a solid developmental player who may be able to be snuck onto the practice squad at roster cutdowns.

2015 and Beyond:

If Thomas earns a role as a special teams player, he will have to fight to get a role at safety with Duron Harmon ahead of him or at slot cornerback with Kyle Arrington locked up for a number of years. His versatility and ability to play multiple positions and special teams could be the key for Thomas sticking in New England.

Similar pick in the past: Nate Ebner, S #197 – 2012

Like Thomas will have to do, Ebner earned a roster spot for the past two seasons based upon his production on special teams.  No NFL head coach values the special teams only contributors like Ebner and Matt Slater than Bill Belichick. For Thomas, following the special teams route is the way the roster.