He was drafted despite opting out of the 2020 season and spending only one season as a full-time starter in Ann Arbor. Louis Riddick of ESPN praised the pick on Friday night, though he cautioned that Thomas would need time.
"He can play up on the line of scrimmage, and play with an off-hand jam," Riddick said. "He has the speed to cover deep vertical routes, and he can finish — finish with a PBU, finish with an INT. He’s got breakaway speed. If you get him out in the open field, he can take it to the house. He’s another good developmental pick for the San Francisco 49ers, and they need more playmaking defensive backs."