Saints to Sign 6-Foot-4 Captain After NFL Draft:

One Tennessee Volunteers defensive lineman didn’t hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft. But he will still continue his football career.

The New Orleans Saints announced signing 11 undrafted free agents on April 27. One of those 11 players was Tennessee defensive lineman Omari Thomas.

The former Tennessee defender didn’t have the natural talent to become an NFL draft pick. But Thomas will bring veteran leadership to New Orleans.

“Highly experienced SEC defensive tackle with good measurables but a lack of consistency in important areas,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote. “Thomas isn’t a natural bender, which hinders his ability to stand his ground and clog gaps as a run defender. He’s not a threatening pass rusher by league standards.

“Teams will like the experience and length, but Thomas might not offer enough against the run to earn a spot as a pro “The defensive lineman started 41 games at Tennessee and served as a team captain.

Thomas spent five seasons with the Volunteers from 2020-24. In 61 games, he posted 116 combined tackles, including 18 tackles for loss and five sacks.

The defensive lineman also had 13 pass defenses, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

As a fifth-year senior last year, Thomas registered 23 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, four pass defenses and one sack in 13 contests.

Thomas was the only defensive tackle the Saints signed as an undrafted free agent. During the 2025 NFL Draft, New Orleans grabbed Texas defensive tackle Vernon Broughton at No. 71 overall in the third round.

The Saints also drafted defensive lineman Fadil Diggs, who played with the Syracuse Orange, at No. 254 overall in the seventh round.