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NFL teams acted hurriedly to fill out their rosters with rookie free agents during the latter stages of the 2013 NFL draft. Those players with the highest ratings were the first to receive overtures.

An undrafted linebacker out of Marietta, Georgia did not hear his name called during the three-day process despite the fact that many considered him anywhere from a second to fifth round selection.

While monitoring the process, Chase Thomas experienced a myriad of emotions , watching some Stanford teammates selected whilewondering what the future held for him.

"There was some shock and disappointment. I just rolled with it. I can't dwell on it," said Thomas. "The Packers, Texans and Cardinals offered. San Diego called after my decision had been made."

The decision by Thomas (6'3-245) was to take his chances with the New Orleans Saints, a team rebuilding its defense.

The reputation of new Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, the Saints recent history of success and the opportunity to potentially hit the field early was appealing.

"I like the 3-4 defense. I knew that they needed outside linebacker depth, and I liked how Rob Ryan attacks the offense with multiple, aggressive blitz packages. I am willing to be involved in any special teams."

Thomas admitted to checking out past Dallas Cowboys games, focusing on key components of the Ryan defense. He talked to Ryan following the draft and learned how his talent could afford him opportunities in New Orleans to utilize his pass rushing and blitzing skills.

"The responsibilities are set most of the time, but it does allow some freedom to rush inside or outside. If I recognize something, I can adjust," the communications graduate remarked. Thomas admits to having closely observed the NFL's elite outside rushers like DeMarcus Ware, Clay Matthews and Aldon Smith while trying to add a wrinkle or two to his repertoire.

Read more: Stanford's Thomas prepared to 'chase' NFL success with Saints

homerj07

Sounds good. Go kid go!!

darksoul35

I think dude is gonna be dope

|Mitch|

Thomas should compete for a starter spot...

Seer1

Thomas will compete for a starter spot... FIFY

st thomas

love a man with chip on shoulder. he's gonna hit somebody with wreckless abandonment , heard that somewhere.

jnormand

I hope he's as badass as everyone says he is. He looks promising on film. I'd love for us to get a good young starting LB that hits hard and can be a game changer.

Crusader

Sounds like a smart guy, that doesn't hurt. Looking forward to seeing the LBs duke it out in camp.

hagan714

After fielding offers from the likes of Tennessee, North Carolina, LSU, Florida, Georgia Tech and Kentucky, Thomas finally settled on the Stanford Cardinal, wanting to play at the highly-regarded academic institution.

the kid had his head screwed on straight even in high school.

While on the west coast, Thomas was introduced to the 3-4 defensive approach at Stanford by a name many New Orleans football fans know well, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.

blast from the past. no wonder i like their defense so much. watch them next year they will have a handful of players go in the first 2 rounds.

"Iron sharpens iron," I have not heard that one in years

"I don't take false steps, no wasted movement. They stressed that at Stanford. It came natural to me. It allows me to process everything, read the pre-snap and adjust to the alignment."

There is a tenth of a second for you forty buffs

"I like to set the edge, get off a block."

Thats what i want to hear. fundamentals. every ones loves to kill the QB

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins

FinSaint

He seems like a very solid pick up and I hope he excels during the OTAs and camps.