FSU CB Azareye’h Thomas Generates First-Round NFL Draft Buzz After Impressive Senior Bowl Week
The NFL Draft season is officially in full swing, with the East-West Shrine Bowl taking place Thursday night and Senior Bowl practices now complete. Several Florida State players have been receiving recognition from draft analysts, but one Seminole is making waves with first-round attention.
NFL.com’s lead draft writer Eric Edholm unveiled his first mock draft Friday morning, and he has FSU cornerback Azareye’h Thomas rising up draft boards. Edholm has Thomas going 32nd overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Thomas generated some buzz on Day 1 in Mobile (during Senior Bowl practices) and fits the profile of a cornerback who could excel in Steve Spagnuolo’s press-man-heavy defensive system,” Edholm said.
If Thomas remains in the first round or even climbs higher, it would mark Florida State’s second consecutive year of sending a defensive player to the first round, and the third time in four years. Jared Verse was selected 19th overall by the Rams in 2024, and Jermaine Johnson was chosen by the Jets in 2022.
Thomas decided to leave Florida State early, forgoing his senior season after his first full year as a starter in 2024.
In 2024, Thomas was one of the most dependable players on the team. He allowed just 94 yards in receptions throughout the season and did not give up any touchdowns during 354 coverage snaps.
