Rodney Thomas II
LB, Yale · 2022 NFL Draft, Round 7, pick #239 (IND)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: position, availability. Details below.
The 2022 class is only 4 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Position
LB (LB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.8% of the time (701 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 67 of ~68 possible regular-season games from 2022 through 2025 (~99%). Plus 7 games so far in 2026.
- Pre-draft rankings
No ESPN pre-draft ranking on file for him.
- Age
24 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 44.9% of the time (548 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Yale: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Combine
No NFL Combine invite on record (nflverse combine data), so teams had less verified testing on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 49% of the time (905 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 74 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 2 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 11 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 1.9 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 12.9 |
| Rushing | 1 att, 3 yds, undefined TD |
| Defense | 92 tackles, 0 sacks, 6 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2022 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2022 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| Age 24 or older | 44.9% n=548 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Combine No Combine invite | 49.0% n=905 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 200 lbs |
| Age at draft | 24 |
Picked around him 2022 redraft
| 236 | Deane Leonard | redraft #172 |
| 237 | Chase Lucas | redraft #205 |
| 238 | Thayer Munford | redraft #114 |
| 240 | Christian Holmes | redraft #181 |
| 241 | Chris Oladokun | redraft #235 |
| 242 | Kalon Barnes | redraft #255 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.