Thomas finished his college career as the Pac-10 Conference all-time leading receiver with 259 receptions, after finishing his senior season with 74 catches for 825 yards and four touchdowns, while also returning 29 punts for 392 yards (13.5 avg.) and two scores. After impressing scouts at both the East-West Shrine game and the Senior Bowl, Thomas headed to Indianapolis to participate in the National Scouting Combine, and slay yet another dragon in the pre-Draft process. This is his account of the experience.
I arrived on Thursday, the 19th and there were folks from the NFL at the airport to get us checked in and onto the shuttle bus which took us to the hotel for a quick change and unpacking of our bags before heading to the hospital for the first series of medical exams.
The team doctors drew blood and took X-rays of players after we disclosed our medical history. After informing them of the surgery I had on my hand during my freshman year they took an X-ray and then I went onto the other stations, which included hooking up to a machine to check my heart. The hospital stay lasted from 1:00 to 4:00pm.
Dinner was at 6 pm and the GM of the Ravens, Ozzie Newsome, spoke to us about the Combine experience, that we are being watched all the time and to be mindful of our actions.
After dinner, there was time for us to hang out with scouts and team executives. I spoke with about 15 or 16 teams during this time. I enjoyed speaking with the Broncos about what kind of coaching styles that different players respond to. The Raiders also mentioned using me as a gunner on punt team in addition to my receiver duties, and I told them I was willing to do whatever helps the team.
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