Universal Draft Presents Julius Thomas of Portland State

Tight End Julius Thomas of Portland State hadn't played football for 7 years by the time he walked on at Portland State and had a sensational return to the gridiron that ended with an All Big Sky selection. His story will remind of Jimmy Graham, the basketball convert for the University of Miami Hurricanes drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 3rd round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Though raw in the extreme coming out of college, Graham earned increased playing time over the final 8 games of the 2010 NFL season, catching 26 balls for 307 yards and 5 touchdowns. With the release of Jeremy Shockey, Graham is now expected to start in only his third year playing football. Though Jimmy Graham was a little more impressive a physical specimen at about 1.5 inches taller and 14 lbs heavier, running a little bit faster 40 time with a little bit more explosive jump metrics, on the football field Thomas is actually more advanced and more natural of a football player at this stage than Graham was when he came out. Having attended East-West Shrine practices in Orlando, I saw firsthand a player that did not look like a basketball convert, but rather looked like a football player, with the fluid, quick twitch athleticism to consistently shake man coverage, instincts that reach beyond his football years, and the natural ability to track the ball in the air and pluck it with his hands away from his body. Perhaps just as intriguing is the physicality, though inconsistent, that he is able to put on display in blocking. He shares that with Graham, who was also inconsistent with his physicality in blocking but showed tremendous upside during some plays.

[@jrzy49]

I went to school with Julius, and he's one of the greatest athletes I've seen, but also a great person who treats everyone equal.

[@reviseandrise]

First game starting as a Bronco..beast mode!!

[@dmase989]

Really satisfied with this pick up. I hope he performs well. Go Broncos

[@MrCourtneyJSmith]

He's finally healthy! Just read an article about him on the Broncos website.

[@thewickednasties]

come to oaktown plz

[@iLLuMeNaTTi]

haha welcome to denver!!

[@Bigtunabeliever2]

miami is the team for you homie