Strengths:
   • Ideal size with long arms, large hands and big frame
   • Very quick and agile with above average athleticism
   • Light on feet and is able to slide laterally and mirror
   • Knee bender w/ good footwork, balance, body control
   • Terrific grasp of assignments, positioning and angles
   • Excellent in pass protection and can defend the edge
   • Displays the ability to recover and adjust on the fly
   • Can generate sufficient movement as a run blocker
   • Nice range to work in space and get to second level
   • Tough, competitive, aggressive and is a true finisher
   • Great instincts and awareness with top football IQ
   • Was battle-tested against high-level competition
   • Outstanding work ethic with a drive to be the best
   • Mature with fantastic pedigree and NFL bloodlines
   • Is still developing and offers considerable potential

Weaknesses:
   • Strength and overall power are relatively average
   • Must work on mastering technical aspects of game
   • Tendency to get tall and lose leverage at times
   • Not overly stout to anchor at the point of attack
   • Only two years of starting experience in college

Injury History:
   • Was sidelined and hampered by a sprained knee in 2008

Notes:
Was a two-year starter for the Trojans --- Brother Ryan also played at USC and is currently an All-Pro and Pro Bowl center with the Carolina Panthers --- Father Frank was an offensive lineman who played in both the NFL and USFL in the early 1980's --- Named 1st Team All-Pac-12 and garnered 1st Team All-American honors in 2011 --- Was a highly-regarded five-star recruit coming out of high school --- Redshirted in 2008 --- Worked primarily as a backup and special teamer in 2009 but did earn one start --- Eventually beat out Tyron Smith, who was the #10 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, for the left tackle job --- Saw action on both the left and right side in college and could play either position at the next level --- Smooth blocker with a well-rounded skill set and upside --- Possesses both the physical tools and intangibles that you look for in a stud blindside protector.

NFL Player Comparison: Joe Thomas