Rodney Thomas II has been really good for the Colts while Julian Blackmon has been out

The Indianapolis Colts have been relying on their young safety, Rodney Thomas II, and the rookie has been stepping up big for Indy.

After having a really solid draft back in April, the Indianapolis Colts concluded their class by selecting Rodney Thomas II in the seventh round with the 239th overall pick. Like most seventh-round selections, Thomas was initially an afterthought. The draft analysts on television didn’t even know much about him besides the fact that he was coming out of Yale and that he had experience playing multiple positions.

Outside of the organization, the expectation for Thomas was that he’d come into camp and compete for a spot on the roster or the practice squad. However, Thomas quickly showed that he was destined for more as he climbed the depth chart and finished camp as the second string free safety behind Julian Blackmon.

When Blackmon went down with an ankle injury against the Kansas City Chiefs, Thomas was thrown into the lineup and he has been more than ready for the moment. After not playing at all defensively in Indy’s first two games, he played the majority of the game against Kansas City and started for the Colts in the last two games. Thomas’ No. 25 jersey has consistently flashed on the field as he’s made several plays.

Rodney Thomas II was a great draft steal for the Colts

In Thursday’s game, Thomas had an interception, a tremendous pass breakup that was nearly an interception, and a play where he likely would’ve had another interception had the referee not gotten in his way. Regardless, Thomas put together a game that shows he can be a quality defender in this league as long as he can maintain his current level of play. Thursday wasn’t just an anomaly for him, it’s the kind of play he’s been having since he stepped on the field to fill in for Blackmon.

He’s a rookie, and there definitely will be some growing pains but Rodney Thomas II has made several plays for the Colts that should have everyone excited about his future. He’s fast, athletic, smart, and has great ball skills. Those are all the tools you want in a defensive back.

With what Thomas has displayed so far, he should have earned himself some snaps even when Blackmon returns. Julian Blackmon is talented himself but Thomas has proven that he is as well. Like the Colts have done in several other spots in the defensive backfield, they should utilize their depth to play as many talented playmakers as possible.

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