Former Fresno State safety Phillip Thomas couldn’t have landed with a better NFL team if his hope is to play right away.
The unanimous All- American was selected in the fourth round — 119th overall — by the Washington Redskins in the 2013 NFL Draft on Saturday.
The Redskins are thin in the safety position, giving Thomas a chance to compete right away for a starting job.
Several national media pun- dits such as ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predict Thomas will make an immediate impact in the Redskins’ secondary.
Thomas led the nationwith eight interceptions this past season, including three returned for touchdowns.
The Redskins appeared to be a team looking to shore up its secondary after ranking 30th last season in passing yards.
Along with second-round pick David Amerson, the Redskins addressed those needs.
The former North Carolina State cornerback led the nation with 13 interceptions in 2011 and added five more last sea- son.
The Washington Redskins appear to be a perfect fit for Thomas.
Growing up, the Redskins were his favorite team and had a positive outlook on the team
after visiting with them before the draft.
“I met with all the coaches, [secondary] coach Raheem [Morris], coach Shanahan,” Thomas told the Washington Post.
“We all talked and they liked me a lot, and they like what I have to offer at the safety spot and just being the ball hawk and all the instincts I have. We just sat down, ate dinner, looked at some film, and that’s basically what we did.”
Projected to be drafted in the second or third round, Thomas said he feels like he is going to be the steal of the NFL Draft.
Thomas was the only FresnoState player selected in the draft.
Former Fresno State run- ning back Robbie Rouse went undrafted but immediately came to terms on a free agent contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
Rouse, a 5-foot-7, 190-pound running back, is Fresno State’s all-time leading rusher.
BULLDOGS IN THE DRAFT: RECENT YEARS
2012: Devon Wylie, WR (4th round, 107th overall) — Kansas City Chiefs
2011: Chris Carter, DL (5th round, 162nd overall) — Pittsburgh Steelers
Andrew Jackson, OL (7th round, 210th overall) — Atlanta Falcons
2010: Ryan Mathews, RB (1st round, 12th overall) — San Diego Chargers
2009: Tom Brandstater, QB (6th round, 174th overall) — Denver Broncos
Bear Pascoe, TE (6th round, 184th overall) — San Francisco 49ers
