Big O is officially headed to the Big Easy. If you followed the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, you probably noticed a name that kept popping up in the "sleeper" category: Omari Thomas. The massive defensive tackle from the University of Tennessee didn’t hear his name called during the seven rounds in April, but honestly, that might be the best thing that could have happened to his pro career.
The New Orleans Saints moved quickly. They snatched him up as a priority undrafted free agent (UDFA) almost the second the draft ended. It’s a move that feels very "Saints." This is a franchise that has a knack for finding defensive line gems where others see question marks. Remember Shy Tuttle? He was an undrafted Vol who turned into a multi-million dollar starter. Omari Thomas is walking that exact same path.
The Omari Thomas NFL Draft Journey: By the Numbers
People look at the stats and sometimes feel underwhelmed. Only one sack in 2024? Yeah, I get it. But if you’re judging a 300-pound interior lineman solely on sacks, you’re basically watching the game wrong. Thomas was the glue for a Tennessee defense that fought its way into the College Football Playoff.
Let's look at what he actually did over five seasons in Knoxville:
- 61 career games played. That is an absurd amount of SEC football.
- 115 total tackles. * 17 tackles for loss (TFLs).
- 12 pass breakups. This is the stat that actually matters. At 6'4", he has these massive 34-inch arms that he uses to swat balls like a basketball player.
Scouts loved the "measurables" at his Pro Day. He weighed in at 299 pounds—a bit leaner than his 325-pound playing weight—and clocked a 5.01-second 40-yard dash. For a guy that size, moving like that is... well, it's not normal.
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What Most People Get Wrong About His Game
The biggest knock on Thomas during the Omari Thomas NFL Draft process was his "pad level." You'll hear analysts say he "plays too high." Basically, he stands up too straight at the snap, which lets shorter, leverage-heavy guards get under his chest and push him back. It happened in the Ohio State game during the playoffs, and it’s why he didn't go in the middle rounds.
But here’s the thing: you can’t coach 6'4" with a 6'8" wingspan.
He’s a "traits" prospect. NFL coaches like Kellen Moore (now in New Orleans) and the Saints' defensive staff see a piece of clay. They see a guy who was a four-star recruit, a team captain, and a member of the SEC Football Leadership Council. You're getting a pro-ready locker room leader who just needs a year in an NFL weight room to fix his leverage issues.
The Surprise Offensive Line Twist
During Tennessee’s Pro Day in March 2025, something weird happened. Thomas didn't just do defensive drills. He actually flipped over and worked out with the offensive linemen.
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It caught everyone off guard. Josh Heupel even commented on how "natural" he looked there. While the Saints signed him to play defensive tackle, that kind of versatility is gold for a roster. If a team knows a guy can serve as an emergency guard or a goal-line blocker, his chances of making the 53-man roster skyrocket.
Scouting Report: Strengths and Red Flags
Let’s be real for a second. If Thomas was a perfect prospect, he’d have been a second-round pick. He’s a "Day 3" talent who fell through the cracks.
The Good:
He has a lightning-quick first step. When he’s on, he’s penetrating the gap before the center can even set his feet. His hands are active—he uses a swim move and a two-hand swipe that’s actually pretty refined for a college player. Plus, the dude just doesn't quit. You’ll see him chasing down running backs 15 yards downfield. That’s rare for a nose tackle.
The Not-So-Good:
He struggles against double teams. If two guys 300-pounders hit him at once, he tends to lose ground. He also lacks a diverse "pass rush plan." If his initial move doesn't work, he sometimes gets stuck dancing with the guard instead of shedding the block.
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Why the New Orleans Saints Fit is Perfect
The Saints are in a bit of a transition period with their interior line. They need depth. They need guys who can eat blocks so their linebackers can roam free.
Thomas isn't being asked to be Aaron Donald. He's being asked to be a reliable rotational piece. In New Orleans, he’ll be surrounded by vets who can teach him the "dark arts" of defensive tackle play—how to hold that low pad level even when you’re exhausted in the fourth quarter.
The fact that he was the fourth Tennessee defensive lineman from that 2024 unit to head to the NFL (alongside James Pearce Jr. and others) says a lot about the pedigree he's coming from. He’s been playing against NFL-caliber talent in practice every single day for years.
Practical Next Steps for Following His Pro Career
If you’re a fan or a collector keeping an eye on Thomas, the next few months are the "make or break" period. Here is how you can track his progress into the 2026 season:
- Watch the Preseason Snap Counts: The Saints traditionally give their UDFA defensive tackles a lot of run in the second half of preseason games. If Thomas is playing 30+ snaps a game, they are serious about him.
- Monitor the Practice Squad: Don't be discouraged if he's waived in the final cuts and re-signed to the practice squad. For a developmental DT, that’s actually the standard path.
- Check the Special Teams Tape: If you see #21 (or whatever number he lands) on the field for field goal blocks, he's safe. His height and reach make him a weapon there.
The Omari Thomas NFL Draft story didn't end with a podium walk in Green Bay, but it’s far from over. He's a Memphis kid who stayed home to help rebuild the Vols, and now he’s got a clear shot to stick in the league. Honestly, betting against a 300-pounder with that much SEC experience usually isn't a smart move. Keep an eye on the Saints' injury reports and depth charts this August—Omari might just surprise everyone.