Hokies in the 2014 NFL Draft: Who Will Draft Logan Thomas?
By Tim Thomas
Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Logan Thomas (3) throws a pass during the first quarter against the in UCLA Bruins the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Logan Thomas has seen his draft stock rise over the last couple of the weeks after Thomas had a very strong performance at the Virginia Tech Pro Day in front of NFL head coaches Chip Kelly and Jim Harbaugh along with QB guru George Whitfield. Logan Thomas seems likely to be selected by the end of the third round but will almost certainly not be a first round pick. Of course, many Hokie fans know that Logan Thomas has always had a ton of potential and will be a backup or third string quarterback somewhere so who might end up drafting Thomas?
San Francisco 49ers
Jim Harbaugh was at Virginia Tech’s Pro Day most likely to see Kyle Fuller but Logan Thomas was the star of the Virginia Tech Pro Day. The 49ers traded for Blaine Gabbert but Jim Harbaugh will likely be looking for a quarterback that is similar to Colin Kaepernick to back up Kaepernick and Logan Thomas is that guy. Logan Thomas has a similar build to Colin Kaepernick and has the type of arm that NFL coaches would absolutely love to develop. Thomas would have no immediate pressure and this could be a great place for him to develop into a quality NFL quarterback.
Jan 25, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Logan Thomas of Virginia Tech (3) takes a long snap against the South squad during the first quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers need a backup quarterback and seem likely to draft one who can come in and compete for the job of backing up Aaron Rodgers. Logan Thomas has the type of big arm that head coach Mike McCarthy would love to have the chance to develop into a quality backup quarterback. The Packers are also a team that can let a quarterback develop for a few years on the bench before trading him for a second or possibly first round draft pick. Logan Thomas would get a great chance to develop in Green Bay and this makes lots of sense.
New England Patriots
Tom Brady is getting up their in age but seems likely to be around for 2 to 3 more seasons. Ryan Mallett’s trade value is fairly high and now would be the time to deal him for a fairly high draft pick. Logan Thomas is the type of guy that can be groomed for a couple of years and then given the keys to replace Tom Brady in New England. Logan Thomas’s mobility would be something unique while the Patriots could definitely develop Thomas’s’ presence in the pocket. Logan Thomas would be a good fit as a developmental backup quarterback in New England.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have multiple needs including quarterback and while Logan Thomas isn’t going to be an immediate answer, he could be a long-term one. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a solid quarterback that has had some very good moments and all the Texans need is Fitzpatrick to be reliable. Meanwhile, Houston can develop Thomas as a third-round pick and backup QB to be the long-term answer in a season or two. Houston could then focus on filling a couple of other needs as they build a team that can contend. Of course, the Texans seem more likely to go take a quarterback like Blake Bortles first overall but Thomas could be a possibility if they don’t take a quarterback first overall.
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