What 49ers cornerback Ambry Thomas learned from a lost season in 2022
A third-round pick in 2021, Thomas went from promising rookie to buried in the depth chart but is making his way back
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — One of the most widely held beliefs among NFL coaches is that the most significant leap in a player’s development occurs between Year 1 and Year 2.
How to explain Ambry Thomas, who started slowly as a rookie cornerback before breaking into a playoff team and then played so infrequently in 2022 that the 49ers could have been forgiven for filing a missing persons report?
Thomas was praised by new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks on Tuesday for doing a “tremendous job” in a 34-7 preseason loss to the Raiders, just as Kyle Shanahan did on Monday, calling Thomas “a different player.”
The 49ers were intrigued by Thomas’ length and coverage ability at 6-foot, 190 pounds when he was selected in the third round, No. 102 overall, out of Michigan. But, after a 2022 season in which no encouraging words were heard, there was no guarantee Thomas would even make the roster this season unless he made people sit up and take notice.
So far, the re-entry into relevance has been impressive.
“The second year, I just felt like I wasn’t mentally or physically prepared,” Thomas said. “I felt like it was given to me because I had just finished a playoff run in my rookie year.” Anyone’s job is up for grabs this year. That’s how I see it.”
Indeed, Wilks stated that the 49ers are still figuring out their best secondary combination. The safeties are Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson, and Charvarius Ward is carved in stone in one corner.
Wilks experimented with Deommodore Lenoir, thought to be the other starter, as a slot corner alongside others at practice Tuesday. Isaiah Oliver, a free-agent signee and presumed starter at nickel, appears to be fighting for playing time.
If the 49ers are serious about moving Lenoir inside, Thomas or Samuel Womack II could emerge as outside starters.
Which would only serve to make his professional trajectory resemble a Richter Scale reading. Thomas, a COVID-19 opt-out in his final year at Michigan, was so inexperienced as a rookie that he was inactive in five of his first seven games. He improved to the point where he started five times during the regular season, culminating with an overtime interception of Matthew Stafford that gave the 49ers a 27-24 win and advanced them to the playoffs.
Last season, the 49ers might have cut Thomas if he hadn’t been a third-round pick.
“Your whole life, you don’t know if you can play in the league, and then you get in there and kind of ease up a little bit,” Shanahan explained. “I believe that happened to Ambry a little bit.” That’s why, last year, he was on the outside looking in. He had learned from his experience. His sense of urgency and preparation is far superior.”
Thomas played only 41 snaps for the 49ers this season as the team moved on without him. He did not play in any of the three playoff games.
“After Week 8 last year, I just decided what I was going to do in the offseason,” Thomas explained. “I knew where I was going and who I was training with when I left.” That’s when it all came together for me.”
Ward was one of his workout partners, and with a professional approach, he went from undrafted free agent to owner of a three-year, $40 million contract with the 49ers.
“He’s growing up,” Ward said. “I hope he keeps doing the same thing.” I have faith in A.T. He possesses a great deal of talent and ability. He just had to keep going and understand that it’s a cutthroat business and that just because you were drafted in the third round doesn’t mean you’ll be a starter on a team.”
Thomas said he took two weeks off after the season before diving into what he called “my most structured offseason.”
Ward’s point? Make each practice repetition count, and believe in your abilities.
“(He helped with) just knowing why I’m here, and that I’m here for a reason,” Thomas explained. “Reintroducing the dog mentality that I used to play with.” It’s just the next rep, good or bad. I’m going to be myself at the end of the day, win or lose.”
Hufanga, who was primarily a special teams player as a rookie before blossoming into an All-Pro safety in Year 2, has taken note of Thomas’ progression.
“A lot of it is due to the offseason.” “I believe he placed himself in a good position to come in and compete for a job,” Hufanga said. “All credit goes to A.T. for coming in and running a fantastic camp. His technique appears to be smooth and deliberate. And he’s got the mindset you’re looking for in a corner.”
Thomas has no intention of falling into oblivion again.
“I know what I’m capable of, and I just don’t feel like I’m all the way there yet,” Thomas explained. “I’m going to keep working, show what I’m capable of doing in these preseason games, and show the coaches that I’m one of the players on this team they can lean on and trust.”
