Linebacker is something of a position of need for the New Orleans Saints ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, so it’s good to see them being proactive about one of their vulnerabilities. All Yellow Jackets’ Jackson Caudell reports that the Saints have scheduled a pre-draft workout with Georgia Tech linebacker prospect Charlie Thomas, who impressed scouts and coaches at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Las Vegas.
Thomas is a fifth-year linebacker who developed considerable experience at Georgia Tech, having logged an impressive 2,457 defensive snaps in his college career. He’s also played 367 snaps on special teams, which would be his best path to earning a roster spot in New Orleans. His 4.52-second time in the 40-yard dash helps his chances.
He’s a solid all-around athlete, but size limitations might be tough to overcome. Thomas was listed at 207 pounds last season and bulked up to 216 pounds for the Shrine Bowl, but his 6-foot-2 1/2 frame and 31 1/2-inch arms make for an above-average at 77 1/4-inch wingspan. Maybe he can continue packing on muscle and compete for a spot on the Saints kicking units. Right now Thomas is projected to be picked in the sixth or seventh rounds of April’s 2023 draft.
