Green Bay Packers: 5 underdogs who could make final roster
By Joe Kipp
2. Ahmad Thomas, Inside Linebacker
Similarly to Martini, Ahmad Thomas’ chances of making the final 53-man roster increased significantly after Ryan’s season-ending injury. Also like Martini, Thomas was an undrafted free agent whose fighting for a chance on special team. He was signed to Green Bay’s practice squad on Nov. 29 last season.
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Thomas is an undersized linebacker who lacks raw athleticism. Traditionally, those would be two things that don’t mesh well. Luckily for Thomas, the NFL is increasingly becoming a position-less league, where players are labeled as hybrids or ‘tweeners’.
At 6-0, 220 lbs, Thomas has actually gained weight since entering the NFL. For the Oklahoma Sooners ,he played anywhere between 210-215 lbs. His best season came when he was a junior, in which he recorded 75 tackles, three interceptions and 1.5 sacks.
Thomas has been getting considerable snaps with the first-team defense during the past few days, a good sign for a player looking to make his first NFL roster. If Thomas can show out in the preseason, there may be a spot for him as a backup.