16. LB Adalius Thomas (sixth round, 2000)
Though his impact as a rookie when the Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV was minimal, Thomas emerged as a force for the Baltimore defense when injuries began taking their toll on Peter Boulware and Terrell Suggs was still cutting his teeth as an NFL pass rusher. The Southern Mississippi product is fifth on the franchise’s all-time sacks list and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection.
Thomas began his career as a special-teams standout and depth player, but his versatility and athleticism for a man his size (6-foot-2 and 270 pounds) was astounding as he’d line up virtually anywhere on the field depending on the opponent’s personnel groupings. His final season in Baltimore came in 2006 when he collected 11 sacks, an interception, and six pass breakups to earn his second trip to Honolulu as the Ravens finished 13-3 and first overall in total defense.
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