Draft Analysis: Jamari Thrash

February 11, 2024 /
  • Height: 6’0″
  • Weight: 188 lb.
  • College: Louisville
  • Tape watched: Notre Dame, Kentucky, Pitt
  • NFL Comparison: Darnell Mooney

Pros

  • Release

The athletic and size profile of Jamari Thrash seems best fit for a slot role. However, he saw just under an 11% snap percentage lined up there. The reason? He has an extraordinary release package and skillset. His jab steps are sudden, upper body avoidance is top-tier, and his shiftiness is best described as electric. He has true perimeter abilities against NFL press coverage.

This play encompasses what Thrash could become in the NFL. A teach-tape release into a very detailed C route. Excellent stuff
  • YAC

A machine at forcing missed tackles, Thrash’s electric lateral agility helps more than his release off the line of scrimmage. He was used heavily in the screen game. Getting the ball in his hands early in space was a successful venture for Louisville, allowing him to cut and juke through the first level of defenders.

Great finishing effort to run the legs through contact. Bonus points for his ability to walk away unscathed from the awkward tackle.

Midline

  • Route Running

Thrash wins his routes when he uses his suddenness and explosive movement through his breaks. He has shown ability to square and stay vertical, then snap off in other directions. He has a bad habit of popping up early into and out of breaks. He can turn his head early and tip defenders as well. Downfield, he can get lazy, failing to protect his line and use his hands.

A more detailed focus to close space into the defender and keep his arms moving would help Thrash complete this ball. Exploding into his throw-pocket to the sideline would complete this catch as well. The NFL catch window won’t get any bigger.

Cons

  • Blocking

Jamari Thrash would like a word with Troy Franklin for this years Worst Run Game Contributor award.

  • Hands

Eight drops and just a 15% contested catch rate in 2023, Thrash is all but a sure target. For reference, A CTC% below 40% is a major red flag historically. He has a smaller catch radius, and fails to complete off-target plays.

Overview

Thrash shines in a lot of areas that make you excited. His ability to beat press, his route running promise, and his knack for making defenders miss are all key points in the NFL. But to stay in the NFL, you have to catch the football. Kadarius Toney shined in the same areas as Thrash, but to this point, his impact has been minimal due to drops.