Cornerback is going to be one of the Los Angeles Rams’ primary needs this offseason, whether they re-sign Ahkello Witherspoon in free agency or not. The secondary played well toward the end of the season but there should still be a desire to get younger and more athletic on the outside, which could lead the Rams to select a cornerback early in the draft.
One option is Florida State corner Azareye’h Thomas, who was a standout in Mobile at the Senior Bowl last week. The 6-foot-1 defensive back has great size and length for the position, and he showed in practice that he can run with faster receivers down the field, too.
He’s quickly rising up draft boards and in ESPN’s latest mock draft from Matt Miller, the Rams select Thomas at No. 26 overall.
Here’s what Miller wrote about the selection.
Offensive tackle is a popular pick in mock drafts for the Rams given the impending free agency of Alaric Jackson, but teams rarely let starting left tackles hit the market. If Jackson is retained, the Rams’ focus shifts to a secondary that had only nine interceptions all season — tied for fifth-fewest in the league.
Thomas is a press cornerback with easy movement ability and the reach at 6-foot-2 to line up across from WR1 types. He had one interception this season, but he also allowed only 12 receptions and 94 yards in coverage. Plus, Thomas was the best cornerback during practices at the Senior Bowl, showing off his press coverage ability and answering any questions scouts had about his ability to run with receivers down the field.
Last season at FSU, Thomas allowed just 17 catches on 33 targets for a total of 141 yards and no touchdown. He had just two interceptions in the last three years but he wasn’t exactly targeted often in coverage (90 total targets in 37 games).
ELITE rep by Azareye’h Thomas🔒🏹@FSUFootball
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 29, 2025
He’s a physical press-man cornerback, which the Rams ran more of in the postseason, and his arrival could lead to a more aggressive style of defense rather than the zone-heavy coverages they’ve been running for the last few years.
Thomas would be a great fit for Los Angeles as it continues to build out a young defense, giving Chris Shula a stud in the secondary.
