Former Steelers DL Cam Thomas Signs With Rams

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Legend
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Thank you, much better


Do you like this picture better? He's further away and donning black, which has a slimming effect.
defensive-lineman-cam-thomas-of-the-pittsburgh-steelers-looks-on-from-picture-id459110896
 

OldSchool

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We needed a big body behind Brockers and The Snead provided. Guess people will have to find a new position to over react about a lack of depth now.
 

Riverumbbq

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Who signs nose tackle Cam Thomas in 2016 NFL free agency?
2016 NFL free agency: Who signs Cam Thomas?


by Dave Stevenson


"The position of nose tackle is quickly starting to lose its place in the NFL. It’s an incredibly underrated position where it is hard to compile stats and much of the value of a nose tackle comes from things that aren’t on a score sheet. One of the better ones in the NFL is Cam Thomas. After two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Thomas will be a free agent.

Vitals
Age: 29
Notable stat: 113 tackles in 85 career games
All-Pro teams: 0
Pro Bowls: 0

Contract comparison
Thomas will likely have to sign a one year deal to prove himself after a rather disappointing 2015 season. He had just 11 tackles in 16 games during the regular season and had just two tackles in two postseason games. Not the kind of season that Cam Thomas wanted to have in his contract year.

It’s hard to find a solid nose tackle so Thomas will still have suitors. Still, that limits him to just teams that play a 3-4 defense. A one year deal makes a lot of sense for Thomas. He could rebuild his value and potentially parlay it into a larger contract.

Estimate: 1 year/$4 million/$1 million guaranteed

Will he stay?
Having a bad season might mean that Thomas will have no choice but to stay in Pittsburgh. That said, Daniel McCullers has rendered Thomas a surplus in black and yellow. There will be a reasonable market for Thomas so unless he can’t find any better offers, expect Thomas to spend the 2016 season in a different jersey.

If he leaves…
There are several teams that run a 3-4 defense that will be looking for a nose tackle in 2016. After parting ways with Terrance Knighton, the Washington Redskins will be looking to add a nose tackle that won’t cost them much money.

Cam Thomas is an obvious fit there. The Green Bay Packers could use some depth behind B.J. Raji. Ironically, the same team that drafted Thomas (the San Diego Chargers) could use Thomas as he would be an upgrade over their current options."


Predicted here for a 3-4 base only, but still makes for quite a space eater as either Brocker's rotational replacement or maybe even see a few snaps next to Brockers in a known short yardage rush attempt during a 3'rd down or goal line scenario. jmo.
 
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OldSchool

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Who did we get rid of for him? I missed it if it was in one of the articles posted.
 

Riverumbbq

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Who did we get rid of for him? I missed it if it was in one of the articles posted.

I counted 91 players on our roster (Rams website) before the Thomas signing, so we need to cut 2 from what I see.
 

Ramrasta

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Personally, I would rather have a slimmer guy that is athletic and instinctive on the line than a huge load just waddling out there to absorb blockers (especially running the 4-3). I haven't singled this guy out on tape or seen him play but the signs point to him not being particularly good at anything except taking up space. If the Steelers could afford to drop him with their sad defense, I expect our other guys to beat him out for the roster spot.
 

SierraRam

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A one year deal makes a lot of sense for Thomas. He could rebuild his value and potentially parlay it into a larger contract.


We've all wanted another big body on the DL, and as @den-the-coach points out, we've got outstanding coaching there. My guess is anyone lining up between Quinn and Donald is going to feel compelled to kick it up a notch... or two
 

Riverumbbq

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Personally, I would rather have a slimmer guy that is athletic and instinctive on the line than a huge load just waddling out there to absorb blockers (especially running the 4-3). I haven't singled this guy out on tape or seen him play but the signs point to him not being particularly good at anything except taking up space. If the Steelers could afford to drop him with their sad defense, I expect our other guys to beat him out for the roster spot.

The only guy legitimately large enough to run block outside of Brockers is Worthington, and he's proven better at pass blocking than run blocking. Donald and Easley are good run blockers, but are relatively small by comparison, and probably not ideal 3'rd and short or goal line defenders. Easley is more than likely the first regular rotational guy entering the game for both Donald & Brockers, but we may also need that 3'rd down and short/goal line defending specialist when the time is right for it. jmo.
 
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Ramrasta

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The only guy legitimately large enough to run block outside of Brockers is Worthington, and he's proven better at pass blocking than run blocking. Donald and Easley are good run blockers, but are relatively small by comparison, and probably not ideal 3'rd and short or goal line defenders. Easley is more than likely the first regular rotational guy entering the game for both Donald & Brockers, but we may also need that 3'rd down and goal line defending specialist when the time is right for it. jmo.

I can see your point with our need for size in short yardage situations. I just hope he can do more than funnel bodies.
 

Orchid

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Predicted here for a 3-4 base only, but still makes for quite a space eater as either Brocker's rotational replacement or maybe even see a few snaps next to Brockers in a known short yardage rush attempt during a 3'rd down or goal line scenario. jmo.

I have a little different take. I think this is all about Alex O. AO is a runner/flow type MLB who needs hi DL to clog and keep C and Guards off him. Before this move Brocker was the only stout DL at the point of attack. Every other DT or DE (that we played at DT) are/were penetrators who will let some interior lineman go by them to get to the QB. AO needs DT that can eat space. We had only one before and now they have 2.
 

Mojo Ram

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If he's not a former 1st rd pick then he doesn't belong on our DLine.
 

DaveFan'51

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So my question is, Who's getting released!?:eek:
 

hotanez

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If this guy comes to play, Worthington, LTP, and even Westbrooks could be cut....10 times better run defender than them.
I could see Worthington or LTP but I would disagree on Westbrooks only because he can play DE.