From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Maine LB Christian Thomas.
No. 11 Christian Thomas/LB/Maine – 6-3, 230 pounds (R-Senior)
MEASUREMENTS
Player Ht/Wt Hand Size Arm Length Wingspan
Christian Thomas 6-3/230 N/A N/A N/A
40-Yard Dash 10-Yard Dash Short Shuttle 3-Cone
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Broad Jump Vertical Bench Press
N/A N/A N/A
The Good
– Great overall size and thick build for the ILB position
– Decisive run defender with quick mental processing
– Physical coming downhill with good overall play strength
– Solid change of direction and short-area burst
– Above average eye discipline in zone coverage
– Quick feet off the line of scrimmage
– Versatile with experience rushing off the edge and playing in the middle
– Solid motor, especially early in games
The Bad
– Limited long speed overall
– Awkward mover out in space; stiff hips
– Runs himself into blocks
– Just adequate man coverage skills
– Slows down later in games
Stats
– Career: 213 total tackles (18 TFL), 6.5 sacks, four passes defensed, one FF in 42 games played
– 2025: 120 total tackles (12 TFL), five sacks, three passes defensed, one FF in 12 games played
– Career snaps: 1,277 on defense, 431 on special teams (5 units)
– 2025 snaps: 694 on defense (146 EDGE, 446 ILB, 101 slot), 124 on special teams (5 units)
– First Team All-CAA in 2025
Injury History
– Hip injury in 2023 forced him to miss all but three games
Bio
– Age unknown
– Originally from Woodrow Wilson H.S in Norristown, Pa. eventually went to Milford Academy in New York
– Walk-on at Maine with no college opportunities out of high school
– Suspended indefinitely for violating team rules in Sept. 2024; missed five four weeks
– Considered transferring before 2025, but rewarded for decision to stay with career year
– Praised for personal growth on and off the field by his coach in 2025
Tape Breakdown
Thomas is extremely decisive coming downhill. His first step is quick and he doesn’t hesitate when he sees a path to the football.
He backs up that decisive play with very good play strength. He can legitimately take on big lineman at the line of scrimmage. Here he blows up a pulling tackle in the hole.
He has good eyes and play recognition, and remains patient to let holes develop for him to fill.
Sometimes his decisive nature flies downhill and into a block where he can struggle to disengage.
His versatility was on display in 2025 with a lot of snaps rushing off the edge. He wins with quickness against tackles. That won’t translate, but his ability to slip around blocks can as an interior blitzer.
Conclusion
Thomas has good size, strength, play recognition, and short-area burst. His motor runs hot early in games, but cools off into the third and fourth quarters. He also lacks long speed and coverage skills to be an every-down linebacker at the next level. His path to making a roster will run through special teams, where he has plenty of experience. The right situation could see him develop into a rotational backup role as a run stuffer with good traits and instincts.
My pro comparison for him is Ty Summers.
NFL Projection: Priority Free Agent
Steelers Depot Draft Grade: 6.0OFF (Pure Backup)
Grade Range: 5.9-6.9
Games Watched: at Liberty (2025), at Georgia Southern (2025), vs. Rhode Island (2025), at New Hampshire (2025)
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