UL offensive tackle Nathan Thomas wasn’t overly concerned about the wait. He has bigger things in mind than simply getting drafted.
But the former Chalmette High standout’s wait ended with a phone call from the Dallas Cowboys as the 233rd selection in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
“It was getting a little stressful, but everything works out like it’s supposed to,” Thomas said. “Like I said from the jump, this is not me by any means. It’s all God. I don’t really care what round it was.”
Thomas is the first Ragin’ Cajun ever drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. In 1963, Lowell Vaught was picked in the 20th round by the Dallas Texans.
“This was completely out of the blue,” Thomas said of being picked by Dallas. “I enjoyed my time at Dallas when I had a visit with them, but I did not think they were going to give me this opportunity. It definitely was a shock, but I’m grateful for it.”
Thomas said he grew up a Saints fans, so it’s going to be interesting with his family and friends.
“It’s definitely going to be interesting, but a lot of people are going to be rooting for me,” Thomas laughed.
The 6-foot-5, 332-pound Thomas continues the recent trend of UL offensive lineman being drafted.
Robert Hunt was a second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2020. O’Cyrus Torrence was a second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2023. Kevin Dotson was a fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020. Max Mitchell was picked a fourth-round pick by the New York Jets in 2022.
Thomas getting drafted makes it the fifth straight season at least one Cajun was drafted after defensive end Andre Jones was picked in the seventh round by the Washington Commanders last year.
The last time no Cajun was picked was in 2019.
“Words can’t really describe how I’m feeling right now,” Thomas said. “I just know that I have work to do. I got drafted, that’s cool, but I have work to do. I have things that are more important right now than just getting drafted and that’s getting ready to go compete for a job.”
Thomas started all 12 games in the regular season during this redshirt junior season this past fall. That came after starting all 13 games during the 2022 season.
Thomas played in 32 games during his college career with 25 starts.
Thomas graded out at 80% or higher in 11 games.
The Cowboys have traditionally built from their offensive line.
“It’s amazing for them to believe in me and be a part of the great veteran group that they have,” said Thomas, who will go to rookie mini-camp in two weeks. “To go there and learn from those vets, it’s really good and I’m just grateful for that opportunity.”