When training camp kicked off on July 23, nobody would’ve predicted that just five weeks later, two rookies named Xavier would steal the spotlight on the roster. Now, they're among the most buzzed-about players on the team. It's the kind of storyline every football fan loves—underdogs proving their worth and making a name for themselves in the big leagues.
Xavier Thomas: Overcoming Early Struggles and Thriving
Xavier Thomas, a fifth-round edge rusher, initially faced some bumps during OTAs, but he's shown remarkable improvement since then. Adapting to the new defensive system and adjusting to the outside linebacker role was no walk in the park. Thomas admitted to feeling "really uncomfortable" early on, trying to nail down the team's unique pass-rush angles and techniques. But once he grasped those nuances, everything clicked. Thomas explained, “I was really uncomfortable in OTAs just learning the new defensive system… but after I got that down pat, I was really comfortable in regards to my abilities and meshing that together with the defensive scheme.”
His physical skills are off the charts, but as Thomas himself noted, mastering the technical aspects is just as crucial. “It messes with you a little bit in regards to your technique, sometimes just doing things your own way,” he said, emphasizing the importance of aligning his athletic abilities with the coaching style of Rob Rodriguez, the outside linebackers coach. Thomas's trajectory is promising, and he’s expected to be a significant part of the edge-rush rotation alongside Zaven Collins, Dennis Gardeck, Victor Dimukeje, and Jesse Luketa.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon summarized Thomas’s progress, saying, “If you break it down to the three things at that position: rush the quarterback, set a violent edge and drop in coverage, I thought he did a good job in all three of them.” Gannon pointed out that while Thomas has a lot of potential, there's still room for growth, but his upward trend is clear.
Xavier Weaver: A Rising Star on the Offensive Side
Meanwhile, Xavier Weaver, an undrafted wide receiver, has been turning heads with his performances both in practice and preseason games. Weaver’s journey is particularly impressive considering he battled through an injury during the offseason program. His resilience paid off as he dazzled coaches and teammates alike with standout plays, even after missing a chunk of OTAs. Michael Wilson, a teammate in the receiver room, praised Weaver, saying, “Kudos to him because he was hurt most of OTAs and not able to participate in a large majority of it, so he really shined bright. Every single practice, he had some type of ‘Wow’ play.”
Weaver's impact wasn’t limited to just practice fields; he made his presence felt in every preseason game with critical catches and runs, showing versatility by contributing as a kick returner. Wilson continued, “He contributed to the game in some type of way that made you go, ‘Wow, this kid can play.’ And he was doing it against starters… It’s absolutely no surprise that he made the 53 and I think he’s gonna be a really special player.”
Weaver’s quick ascension didn’t go unnoticed by Gannon, who highlighted Weaver's unique skill set and the potential he brings to special teams. Gannon said, “He has a skillset that’s pretty unique. He can play on fourth down, which went into that decision.” This versatility could prove invaluable, especially in a crowded receiver group featuring Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch, and Chris Moore. With running back DeeJay Dallas also in the mix, it’ll be interesting to see how Weaver carves out his role, particularly as a kick returner.
Exciting Elements and What's Next
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Rookies Making Waves: It’s not every day that two rookies not only make the 53-man roster but do so with such flair. Whether it's Thomas setting a violent edge or Weaver making game-changing catches, these Xaviers are bringing something special to the table.
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The Element of Surprise: Weaver and Thomas weren’t exactly marquee names coming into camp, but they’ve both thrived under the spotlight. Their stories are a testament to hard work, resilience, and the unpredictable nature of football.
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Versatility and Depth: Thomas’s ability to drop in coverage and rush the passer gives the team flexibility on defense, while Weaver’s potential as a dual-threat on offense and special teams offers creative options for game planning.
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Teammate and Coach Endorsements: Both players have received glowing endorsements from key figures—Gannon, a respected head coach, and teammates like Wilson, who see the grind up close. That speaks volumes about their potential impact.
Looking ahead, both Xaviers have clear paths to making significant contributions this season. For Thomas, it's about continuing to refine his technique and fully integrating his natural athleticism into the team's defensive schemes. As Gannon mentioned, Thomas has already shown he can “rush the quarterback, set a violent edge and drop in coverage.” These are crucial skills that could see him earn significant playing time in a rotational role.
For Weaver, his versatility is his biggest asset. Not only does he have the potential to impact the game as a receiver, but his ability to contribute on special teams makes him even more valuable. It’ll be a challenge to break into an offense stacked with talent, but his early displays suggest he’s more than capable of stepping up when called upon. As Gannon noted, Weaver’s ability to “play on fourth down” is a unique trait that sets him apart and keeps him in the conversation for active game day roles.
Ultimately, the Xaviers are more than just rookies—they’re exciting new talents who have the potential to make a lasting impact on the team. As they continue to grow and develop, fans should keep a close eye on their progress; these two could be integral pieces in shaping the future of the franchise. Whether it's Thomas coming off the edge or Weaver making clutch plays on offense, both are poised to keep fans saying “Wow” all season long.
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