Jakobe Thomas S Miami |
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Tackling is a real problem. Whiffs too often in the open field and at the second level.
• In 2023 alone, he missed 21 tackles, which ranked among the worst for FBS safeties.
• Run defense is underwhelming; struggles to hold his ground and fill with physicality.
• Average speed for the position limits his range when asked to cover the deep middle alone.
• Allowed too many catches and yards when targeted in 2023 coverage assignments.
• Needs to add functional strength without losing his movement ability.

Scouting Report: Summary

Thomas' combination of size, instincts, and ball skills checks boxes that defensive coordinators desperately need when constructing their back end, particularly as offenses continue spreading the field and attacking vertically. The guy can cover, plain and simple. He reads routes, breaks on throws, and makes plays on the football with consistency that shows up when you dig into the numbers. NFL teams looking for a safety who can actually play in space and handle coverage responsibilities will see a player with legitimate starting potential if the tackling issues get cleaned up. The missed tackles are a real concern and can't be dismissed, but they're also coachable problems involving angles and technique rather than a lack of effort or competitiveness. Thomas plays willing in run support even if the results haven't always been there.

The scheme fit for Thomas centers on maximizing what he does well rather than exposing his weaknesses. He's built for two-high safety systems where he can patrol the deep half, use his length to disrupt throws, and put his route recognition to work. Think Tampa 2 concepts or Cover 2 man schemes where he's splitting the field and playing over the top with the freedom to jump routes when he sees them developing. His versatility to drop into robber roles and handle different coverage responsibilities gives defensive coordinators flexibility in how they deploy him, and that schematic adaptability has real value in the NFL. Teams that lean heavily on single-high looks might not be the best fit given his average speed, but most modern defenses employ multiple coverage shells throughout a game anyway. The key is putting him in positions where his coverage instincts can shine while being strategic about when to ask him to play downhill and finish tackles in the box.

Thomas has the tools to develop into a legitimate rotational safety who contributes on defense and special teams from day one. His experience across multiple college programs shows he can learn systems quickly and adapt to different coaching styles, which matters when you're trying to establish yourself on an NFL roster. The ball production throughout his career demonstrates a nose for the football that translates to creating turnovers at the next level, and turnovers win games. If he commits to improving his tackling technique during his first offseason and adds some functional strength without losing his movement skills, Thomas could push for a starting role sooner than people expect.