Name: Brayden Thomas
School: North Dakota State University
Position: DE/OLB
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 260
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
To be a National Champion, an All-Conference and All-American player. I was blessed with the ability to make all of those come true.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
Viewing the adversity of Covid year as an opportunity to get better. Focusing on what I needed to be better at as a teammate, player, and person to become the best football player I could be.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
A team guy first and someone that is going to play 100% for the person next to them no matter the circumstance. Someone to lean on in adversity and someone to come to for leadership and advice.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
Learning how pros and other athletes play the game and what helps them succeed. How I can compare my attributes to there’s and become a better player. When watching opponents, it’s important to focus on tendencies of the OL. Focusing on what’s going to give me the advantage pre snap when I’m playing that week.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
Being accountable in all situations. Playing with an endless motor and my ability to win. Pushing others around me to be the best player and person they can be always. Challenging myself and always wondering the why to certain things to make myself better.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I am training in Denver, CO at Landow Performance. Focusing on things that I need to fine tune as a player. Along with focusing on ways to help myself succeed at pro day. Then watching film to learn more about defenses to understand the whole Unit instead of focusing on just the front 7.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The ability to play the run and rush the Passer. Play with physicality at the point of attack. Dominate every rep and play with relentless effort. Be a positive influence in whatever community I’m able to get involved with and start charity’s along with fund others to help causes in my area. Be a positive role model for others around me.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
Giving me an opportunity is all I need. I will come in and outwork the others around me. I’ve had the ability to prove that in my college career. You will be guaranteed to get a player that is going to play with max effort and create plays on the field. Along with holding others and myself accountable on and off the field. Someone who will be a leader. Lastly, someone that will be a difference maker not only on the field but off the field as well.