Michigan State Football: 5 players who will be chosen in 2016 NFL Draft

Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Lawrence Thomas (8) stands on the field between plays during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-11. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Honestly, I could see Lawrence Thomas drafted in the first two round this upcoming year, but I don’t think he gets nearly enough recognition for that. The fifth-year senior, much like Arnett, was one of the most highly-regarded prospects in the state of Michigan in 2011, ranking right behind DeAnthony as the No. 2 player in the state, according to 247Sports.

Thomas came out of high school at the No. 46 player in the nation and a 244-pound linebacker with 4.60-speed. However, he developed into a monstrous defensive tackle during his time at Michigan State, growing to over 300 pounds, but still sculpted — he has the NFL body.

After starting all of last year as an interior defensive lineman, Thomas enters this season listed as a defensive end, playing opposite of Shilique Calhoun.

Can we just take a second to think about how dominant this defensive line could be this season with guys like Calhoiun, Thomas and Malik McDowell giving offensive linemen fits?

OK, back to the real point of this slide. Thomas has the size and the athletic ability to get around defenders with solid moves and decent speed while staring down a defenseless quarterback and putting a major hurt on him.

Thomas is coming off his most productive season as a Spartan, playing in all 13 games as a junior, recording 30 total tackles, three sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. These numbers will only get better this season as he’s already acclimated to playing major minutes.

If LT doesn’t get drafted in the top-four rounds next season, then I lose all hope for NFL scouts drafting on talent as well as potential — he has both in mass amounts.

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