Cowboys 2025 draft scouting report: CB Azareye’h Thomas

Here is our scouting report on Azareye’h Thomas from Florida State

We continue our 2025 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that could interest the Dallas Cowboys. Today we are looking at defensive tackle, Azareye’h Thomas from Florida State.

Azareye’h Thomas

CB
Florida State Seminoles
Junior
4-star recruit
6’1”
191 lbs

Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

History

Azareye’h Thomas was born on July 6, 2004, in Niceville, Florida, Thomas grew up in a family with deep football ties. He is the younger brother of Juanyeh Thomas, and Azende’ Rey, who played college football at Florida A&M and Georgia Tech.

Thomas attended Niceville High School, where he excelled as a two-way player. As a senior, he showcased his versatility, rushing for 421 yards and 10 touchdowns, catching 33 passes for 438 yards and seven touchdowns, and making defensive contributions with two interceptions and six pass breakups. A four-star recruit in the 2022 class, Thomas was highly sought after, receiving offers from top programs like Florida, Georgia Tech, LSU, and Oklahoma before committing to Florida State.

At Florida State, Thomas made an immediate impact. As a true freshman in 2022, he appeared in 11 games, recording 14 tackles, two tackles for loss, and made his first career interception against Miami. In 2023, he played in all 14 games and tallied 29 tackles, five tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery during the Seminoles’ undefeated regular season.

In 2024, Thomas solidified his role as a starter, appearing in all 12 games and finishing second on the team with 52 tackles. He also added two for loss, one interception and four pass breakups.

2024 Statistics

755 Defensive Snaps
354 Coverage Snaps
52 Total Tackles
2 Tackle for Loss
4 Pass Breakups
16 Defensive Stops
1 INT
0 TD Allowed
50.2 Passer RTG Allowed
3 Penalties

NFL Combine/Pro Day

TBC

Awards

N/A

Scorecard

Overall- 83.4
Speed- 80
Acceleration- 87
Agility- 89
Strength- 68
Tackling- 80
Zone Coverage- 82
Man Coverage- 82
Press- 75
Discipline- 92

THE GOOD

• He excels at tracking the ball in the air, using his length and body control to high-point passes and disrupt plays at the catch point.
• He displays very oily and fluid hips.
• Mirrors receivers effectively in man coverage with elite level footwork.
• He leverages his size and long arms to challenge receivers at the line to disrupt their timing.
• A willing and aggressive tackler.
• He shows sound technique to secure stops in open space.
• His experience in both man and zone coverages, along with some flexibility to play boundary or safety roles, enhances his value.
• Fantastic instincts and clearly watches a lot of tape on his opponents. This is displayed by the fact that in the 2024 regular season he allowed an average of 10 yards and 1.2 catches per game, and allowed zero touchdowns all season.

THE BAD

• His press coverage can be inconsistent.
• Occasionally he allows free releases that force him into recovery mode. In the NFL, where wide receivers are far more athletic, this would present a huge issue.
• Improved hand placement and timing are needed.
• He sometimes struggles with quick, shifty receivers due to slower reaction time.
• Can be undisciplined at times which can lead to positioning errors or missed assignments, an area that could be exploited by NFL quarterbacks.
• He also has discipline issues on run defense by taking poor pursuit angles.

THE FIT

Azareye’h Thomas combines ideal size, length, and movement ability, with a competitive mindset forged through adversity. His college production and steady improvement signal a high-ceiling prospect, though he’ll need to polish his technique and consistency to maximize his potential. As a second-round prospect with starter upside, Thomas is poised to make an impact in the NFL with the right development. His play style aligns well with zone-heavy defensive schemes, where he can use his traits to close down receivers and contest passes.

To maximize his potential as an NFL cornerback, Thomas needs to focus on refining his press technique, boosting his reaction time, strengthening coverage awareness, enhancing his physical conditioning, and building mental toughness. With his physical tools and work ethic, addressing these areas through training, film study, and coaching can help him become a reliable starter at the professional level.

Thomas would fit well with the Dallas Cowboys as a developmental cornerback with the ability to quickly become a starter. His size, physicality, and versatility align with the team’s need for a for long, athletic cornerback, while his tackling ability addresses a prior weakness. With coaching to refine his press technique, reaction time, and eye discipline, Thomas could grow into a key contributor. His family connection to the Cowboys and the team’s massive need for depth at the position make him an appealing second-round draft target with significant long-term upside.

He could contribute on special teams, where his athleticism and tackling shine, and in situational defensive packages (e.g., dime or nickel sets) while he hones his skills.

COMPARISON

A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons

BTB GRADE

43rd

CONSENSUS RANKING

43rd
(Consensus ranking based on the average ranking from 90 major scoring services, including BTB)