15. Michael Thomas
Team: New Orleans Saints
Position: WR
Experience: 3 Years
Michael Thomas has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL since he debuted in 2016. After being drafted in the 2nd round (47th overall), Thomas has played in all but one of his 48 regular season games in his three years. Thomas has been so good that he broke Odell Beckham Jr.’s record for most receptions in your first three seasons. Thomas totaled an astounding 92 his rookie year, 104 in 2017 and a whopping 125 in 2018, leading the league in that category. Michael Thomas is quietly climbing many of the all time receiving ranks, collecting accolades all along the way.
Thomas was a three star recruit that committed to Ohio State in the Class of 2011. After red shirting his freshman year as a Buckeye, the true sophomore totaled nearly 800 receiving yards and 9 TDs. He continued this dominance with another 800 yard season in 2015, once again tallying 9 TDs. He forgave his senior season to enter the NFL Draft. Thomas could not have found a better home, as the New Orleans Saints with Drew Brees and Sean Payton deploy a brilliant aerial attack.
In his rookie year playing alongside fellow WR Brandin Cooks, Thomas still posted over 1000 yards and 9 TDs. Throughout the season, it became clear that Thomas was indeed the #1 target of Brees. The target share kept rising and with the departure of Cooks in his second year in 2017, Thomas was already seeing approximately 150 targets per year. One of his best attributes is his incredible efficiency when being targeted. As the lead receiver in 2017, he helped the Saints finish 2nd in Total Yards, 5th in Passing Yards, and 1st in Net Yards per Passing Attempt.
The dynamic duo of Brees and Thomas is a force that will continue to dominate until the former must step down. Thomas exhibits so many qualities of the ideal receiver in today’s game. He has tremendous timing and hands as a possession receiver, but he is also 6’3 and can go upstairs for jump balls. His 4.57 40 yard dash wasn’t considered top-tier, but don’t be fooled by Thomas’s speed and agility for such a strong and tall receiver.
Thomas will continue to accumulate awards and honors as one of the best receivers in the game. He already has two Pro-Bowls, one 1st Team All-Pro and one 2nd Team All-Pro in his short three years in the league. Expect Thomas to put on a show in 2019, as the Saints look to bounce back from the no-call that could have cost them their season in the playoffs versus the Eagles.
Recent Comments