Senior Bowl: Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech

Jan 20, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Logan Thomas of Virginia Tech (3) passes during practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas cuts an impressive Culpepper-esque figure at 6-6, 260. Anybody that size who can throw a football with any proficiency is going to get the attention of NFL scouts.

Thomas did indeed have the attention of scouts at this week’s Senior Bowl practices, and the reviews were not always positive. Here’s the run down of expert opinion on Mr. Thomas:

Eric Galko: It was clear that Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas outclassed the other quarterbacks in terms of arm talent and accuracy across the field. Thomas’ lack of polish regarding reset footwork and progression timing became more evident as the practice continued, ultimately resulting in an untimely interception during team drills. Unfortunately two interceptions clouded an otherwise strong practice, as Thomas drove a variety of intermediate and deep concepts with confidence, back end velocity and consistent placement on the receiver’s numbers. 

Tony Pauline: Ask teams here in Mobile about quarterback Logan Thomas and you’ll find he’s all over boards, being graded anywhere from a second to a fifth round pick.  I get the idea there’s a general feeling teams really wanting to like Thomas.  He has the physical skills teams desire and many point to constant coordinator changes at Virginia Tech as a major problem in the development of Thomas.

Bucky Brooks: Thomas has driven scouts crazy with his erratic play over the past two seasons, but it’s possible that he might have enjoyed the best day of any quarterback on either roster [the first day of Senior Bowl practice]. He delivered the ball with excellent velocity and zip in drills and looked like a confident passer from the pocket. Additionally, Thomas flashed timing and anticipation on a handful of throws in 7-on-7 that showcased his potential as a passer in a pro-style offense. Now, the impressive showing will not erase the two seasons of bad film put up by Thomas, but it could entice a team in need of a developmental prospect to take a chance on a 6-6, 254-pound athlete with intriguing physical tools.

Dane Brugler:  Thomas is the most physically gifted quarterback, not only in Mobile this week, but in the entire class with his tall, well-proportioned frame and big arm to toss the ball anywhere he wants on the field. But touch continues to be an issue with him. During Tuesday’s practice, Thomas would throw a perfect laser that hit his intended target s between the numbers, but then would follow it up with an overthrow that sailed well over the receivers head and another errant pass that caused the wideout to re-route in order to try and track down the throw.

We’ll often hear this draft season that Thomas has “what can’t be taught” when referring to his physical attributes, but can touch and accuracy be taught? It can be tweaked and improved from a mechanical standpoint, but from his performances the past two days along with three years of game film, it’s tough to see the upside with Thomas. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Virginia Tech quarterback ends up hearing his name called on the second day of the draft. But a team that drafts him that high is living on a hope and a prayer – similar to many of Thomas’ throws this week.

This guy almost sounds like Josh Freeman. Big. Huge arm. Lots of talent. But erratic in his accuracy and in dire need of mechanical re-working.

In other words, you would be taking kind of a risk with this player. If the Vikings go to the third or fourth round without drafting a quarterback and this guy is sitting there, then I think you have to take him and maybe let him sit behind Matt Cassel for a year and work on some stuff. But no way do I target him as the immediate solution at QB.

I’d be curious to know what Rick Spielman thinks about Thomas given his stated love for Josh Freeman coming out of college. Does Spielman have a thing for large QBs with big arms? Then he might love Thomas too.

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