Who is Earl Thomas?

Longhorn safety Earl Thomas was expected to go in the middle of the first round, nobody predicted the Seahawks would pick him.

Born in 1989, he turns 21 next month. He played defensive back, running back, and wide receiver in high school, where he was a four sport varsity athlete. He entered the NFL draft after two years starting for Texas.

He worked as a volunteer in a Katrina rebuilding project, and plays piano in the church where his grandfather (also Earl) is pastor (disappointing my expectations for today's dreadlock-wearing youths).

A bit small for a safety at 5'10, 200+ pounds. Had a good, but not stellar, combine. Not the most solid tackler, but a real ball hawk (had eight INTs and two pick-sixes last year).

NFL Networks draft expert Mike Mayock loves him some Earl Thomas. See highlights here and here.