Cardinals add Clemson DE Xavier Thomas with fifth-round pick

Because of redshirting in 2020 and suffering a foot injury in 2022, Thomas was at Clemson for six seasons (2018-23).

Overall, the 24-year-old played 61 games (30 starts) with the Tigers, collecting 121 tackles, 17.5 sacks, forced six fumbles and defended seven passes. Thomas is a 2018 CFP national champion and a two-time (2019-2021) third-team All-ACC.

Last season, the South Carolina native played 12 games (11 starts). Clemson defeated Kentucky 38-35 to win the 2023 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl.

When scouting Thomas, NFL draft analyst Steve Muench thinks he has the traits to heavily disrupt opposing offenses.

“Thomas shoots his hand up and flashes explosive speed to power,” Muench said. “He tracks the quarterback, can shake off blocks late and closes well. Thomas can kick inside to rush the passer and drop into underneath coverage. He’s a rangy and disruptive run-defender with the upper-body strength to stack tight ends.”

By acquiring Thomas, the Cardinals continue to stockpile at defensive end. Bilal Nichols, Cam Thomas, B.J. Ojulari, L.J. Collier and Tyreke Smith are all signed for at least the 2024 season.

At the end of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday, Arizona also selected Mizzou’s Darius Robinson with the No. 27 pick.

For the remainder of this year’s draft, the Cardinals will be picking at No. 162, 191 and 226 on Saturday.

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