Charlie Thom
Bio
Recruiting
Scouting Report
A high-upside offensive tackle prospect who is relatively new to the position after transitioning from tight end. His impressive frame and athletic background have led to a rapid rise in his recruitment, culminating in a commitment to a major program.
Physical Profile
Possesses an elite frame for an offensive tackle, standing at a verified 6-foot-7 and weighing 275 pounds. As a former tight end and multi-sport athlete in lacrosse and basketball, he displays noteworthy athleticism and movement skills for his size. His build suggests he can easily add more mass and strength without sacrificing his agility, which is a key indicator of his high ceiling at the position.
Play Style
On film, Thom plays with a high motor and a clear mean streak, looking to finish blocks and play through the whistle. His background as a tight end is apparent in his comfort level operating in space and his ability to locate and engage defenders on the move. He is a physical run blocker who uses his size and strength to create lanes. As a pass protector, he shows a solid initial punch and the length to keep defenders at bay, though his footwork is still a work in progress.
Strengths
- Elite frame and length for a tackle prospect, providing a significant advantage in pass protection.
- Displays natural athleticism and movement skills, evident in his ability to get to the second level and engage defenders in space.
- Shows aggression and a powerful lower half, allowing him to generate movement in the run game.
- Exhibits good hand placement and recoil in his pass sets, a promising technical foundation for a player new to the position.
Areas to Improve
- Overall technique, particularly his footwork, which is still developing given his recent transition to the offensive line.
- Needs to continue adding mass and functional strength to consistently handle collegiate-level defensive linemen.
- Gaining more experience and repetitions at tackle will be crucial for his development, as he has only played the position for a short time.
College Projection
Thom projects as a developmental offensive tackle with the potential to become a multi-year starter at the Power Five level. His first year on campus will likely be a redshirt season focused on strength and conditioning, as well as honing his offensive line technique. Given his athletic upside and impressive frame, he could begin to challenge for playing time in his second or third year, with the potential to develop into a reliable starting left or right tackle.
NFL Outlook
Given his 4-star rating from 247Sports and his commitment to a top-tier program known for developing offensive linemen, Thom possesses the raw tools and potential to be a future NFL Draft prospect. His development over the next few years will be critical, but his combination of size, athleticism, and projectability gives him a legitimate shot at playing on Sundays if he reaches his full potential. His draft projection is currently in the Day 3 range (4-7 Round), but that could certainly improve as he gains experience.
Best Fit
A pro-style or multiple-set offensive scheme that values athletic tackles who can be effective in both zone and gap running schemes. A program with a strong track record of developing offensive linemen and a willingness to be patient with his technical refinement would be an ideal fit, allowing him to maximize his considerable upside.
Player Comparison
Wolfe entered college as a similarly-rated prospect (mid-4 star) with an identical 6'6", 275 lb frame from a smaller prep program. Both prospects share the versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive line with their prototypical size for either DE or DT, plus the disciplined fundamental development that translates to consistent technique and high football IQ at the next level.