Jaguars on the spot: Safety Daniel Thomas tries to lead by example with his work ethic

Another in a series about Jacksonville Jaguars veterans who will be battling for their starting job or in some cases a roster spot during the 2025 training camp. 

Daniel Thomas, safety

Years with Jaguars: Six.

Career highlights: Thomas, a fifth-round draft pick in 2020 from Auburn, has started only four games on defense but has played 71 for the Jaguars. He has 32 tackles and 14 assists on defense, and 18 solo tackles and seven assists on special teams. He tied his career high with seven solo special-teams stops last year, matching the 2023 season. ... Thomas has two big plays for the Jaguars, both in his rookie season in 2020: a blocked punt and 16-yard return for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers and an interception and 53-yard return against Pittsburgh. ... Thomas had the first blocked punt for the Jaguars since Mike Harris in 2012.

Camp scenario: Thomas could be the odd man out in a crowded safety room that includes fellow veterans Andrew Wingard and Antonio Johnson, drafted rookies Caleb Ransaw and Rayuan Lane III and free agent signee Eric Murray. Like Wingard, Thomas' value to any team is increased by his ability and enthusiasm to play special teams.

Daniel Thomas on his special teams play

"I think God for the opportunity [to play special teams]. First of all, to be here. A lot of people don't make it to the NFL, so if there's an opportunity that means God put it there for me. I'm on special teams and defense. No matter where I'm at, I'm just here to help the team win. I'm one of those guys trying to lead by example, being selfless, being a leader on and off the field. Show the young guys how to do it because they're going to want to do it the right way."

Daniel Thomas on the new defensive scheme

"I's being able to get your eyes on the ball, on the quarterback, a lot of vision. [When] I get my eyes on the quarterback, whenever his hands leave the ball, I'm able to break faster and make plays on the ball more. Last year was a lot of man-to-man but being able to bein space, that's how you get interceptions [Thomas has one so far in camp]." The scheme is awesome."

Daniel Thomas on competition

"Competition brings out the best in everybody. You need that. If you ain't getting pushed, you're not going to get better. And I feel like [competition] gets rid of complacency and it pushes everyone to be their best. I don't look at my brother as being competition. I always compete against myself ... if I could be better each and every day, the rest is going to fall like it's supposed to."

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars on the spot: Daniel Thomas says special teams are 'an opportunity'