It was only a few days in the past that the information of Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams throwing a punch “at a rookie teammate” went viral. Williams, the twelfth choose of the 2022 NFL Draft, had been struggling through the first week of camp.
The rookie teammate the punch was directed at was former UAB cornerback Starling Thomas. Not one of the tales reporting on the altercation went in-depth on Thomas. They in all probability ought to’ve.
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The Detroit Lions had eight picks in final April’s draft, together with six picks within the high 100. They used none of these decisions on Thomas, slightly they signed him instantly after the draft.
Thomas had choices to signal with quite a few groups, however he settled on Detroit, because the cornerback-needy Lions supplied him a terrific alternative to make an energetic roster.
And early in camp, it appears as if that’s precisely what Thomas might find yourself doing.
After a profitable profession at UAB which included 21 PBUs his last two seasons on the college, Thomas stood out throughout three days of Shrine Bowl follow in January. Many believed he deserved an invite to the Mix, but it by no means arrived.
With a little bit of a chip on his shoulder, Thomas was the star of professional day at UAB, timing 4.38 seconds within the 40, touching 37.5 inches within the vertical soar and even finishing 14 reps on the bench press.
Thomas has proven a lot of that athleticism and prowess within the opening weeks of Lions camp. Govt vp and common supervisor Brad Holmes is a giant fan of Thomas and has been singing the praises of the rookie nook, who has been tremendous feisty and aggressive in camp, which is a part of the rationale for the altercation with Williams.
What led to the Starling Thomas vs Jameson Williams battle?
Tensions between Thomas and Williams in Monday’s follow have been excessive from the get-go. Thomas referred to as out Williams throughout drills then the cornerback proceeded to knock away a move directed on the Lions first choice of the 2022 draft. The response from Williams was a punch thrown within the path of Thomas.
Individuals within the facility say Thomas actually desires it; he doesn’t again all the way down to anybody and is the primary man at follow then the final one to depart.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, a former first-round draft choose at cornerback, referred to as Thomas “uncooked” but additionally tossed a number of compliments his means.
Glenn identified the physicality and competitiveness of Thomas in addition to his athleticism. There’s an actual alternative for Thomas to make the Lions’ energetic roster, particularly with projected starter Emmanuel Moseley nonetheless not 100% wholesome. The undrafted rookie is presently preventing to be the workforce’s fifth defensive again, and Detroit is counting on Thomas to be a gunner on particular groups.
It’s a matter of Thomas translating the power he’s displayed throughout follow onto the sector as soon as the preseason opens in opposition to the New York Giants on August 11. If he’s in a position to do this, folks in Detroit inform me they might be shocked if Thomas isn’t on the energetic roster come Week 1.
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