Why Florida State Cornerback Azareye'h Thomas Could Be A Surprise Early Draft Choice

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Why Florida State Cornerback Azareye'h Thomas Could Be A Surprise Early Draft Choice

Bob Rose · Athlon Sports

Wed, Apr 16, 2025 ·

3 min read

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The New Orleans Saints ranked a lowly 30th in total defense last year, finishing 31st against the run and 27th against the pass.

After six years of one of the better defenses in the NFL, the Saints were exposed as an old team that got slower with poor fundamentals and had no depth in several spots. This is a defense that has glaring needs in a lot of areas, even with the hiring of new coordinator Brandon Staley.

One of those areas is at cornerback. The Saints have promising 2024 second-round choice Kool-Aid McKinstry and versatile Alontae Taylor. However, they also traded Marshon Lattimore before the end of last season and lost Paulson Adebo in free agency.

It's possible that New Orleans targets a corner in the first round. Jahdae Barron of Texas, Michigan's Will Johnson, or Shavon Revel of East Carolina may be options there. If the Saints prefer to wait for a cornerback, there are a few talented ones that could be available on Day 2.

Trey Amos of Mississippi, Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison, and Maxwell Hairston of Kentucky are potential Day 2 starters. Another thrust himself into that conversation with a strong final two seasons.

Azareye'h Thomas, CB (Florida State)

Florida State defensive back Azareye'h Thomas (DB32) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

A four-star recruit out of Niceville High School in Florida, Thomas stayed in-state with the Seminoles. He'd play sparingly as a freshman in 2022, yet still managed an interception and two tackles for loss.

In 2023, Thomas was among the top defensive backs in the nation. He didn't have an interception but had 5 stops for loss and was among the ACC leaders with 10 passes broken up. One of the few standouts for a putrid Seminoles squad last season, Thomas picked off one pass and broke up four other throws.

Thomas excels best in press coverage and has the frame and athletic combination to succeed at the next level. Yet, he'll need more reps in that role and shows relative inexperience.

Extremely physical and aggressive, receivers have been able to use fakes to get separation. Thomas can also be too physical mid-route, drawing flags. His overall technique needs to improve. This should get better with experience and coaching but could lead to unnecessary penalties and big plays early in his career.

Thomas doesn't show great ball skills. He had only two interceptions in college. His long speed isn't great. He'll also need to show better anticipation in off-ball coverage. He can also struggle as a tackler in the open field or in run support.

Florida State cornerback Azareye'h Thomas (8). Credit: Bleacher Report

The measurables that Thomas brings are what attracts him to scouts. He's 6'2" and 197-Lbs. with the length to give receivers fits. Even with raw technique, Thomas has the agility to mirror receivers throughout a route. He also has a fluid change-of-direction that allows him to stay with shifty receivers and gives him slot versatility.

In off-ball coverage, Thomas shows solid recognition and a good break on the throw. He'll use the sideline well and has expert awareness of his coverage help over the top or inside.

Azareye'h Thomas is projected as a late second or early third round choice. His length and man coverage ability gives him the upside to be selected even earlier.

Thomas needs some refinement before becoming a regular starter. However, his coverage skills should allow him to be an immediate contributor as a third corner with long-term starting potential in a short period of time.

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