Clemson offensive lineman Brandon Thomas was rising up 2014 NFL draft rankings before suffering an injury last week.
Thomas tore his ACL while preparing for the draft, ESPN’s Adam Caplan reported Monday. Thomas is projected to play tackle or guard in the NFL, and NFL Media’s Mike Mayock recently recommended the Houston Texans take him at No. 33 overall.
Thomas should fall in draft rankings now that he won’t be ready to start the 2014 NFL season. He could miss the entire year after suffering the injury so late in the predraft process.
The New England Patriots could look to Thomas to fill a future need along their interior offensive line. Starting right guard Dan Connolly is in the last year of his contract, and left guard Logan Mankins’ salary-cap hit rises to $11 million next season.
The Patriots have two fourth-round picks.
