Re: 2016 Saints Draft Live Discussion Thread
 

the front office just told us they don't trust Coleman. Solid selection.

Re: 2016 Saints Draft Live Discussion Thread
 

Michael Thomas (WR)

HT: 6'3" WT: 212LBS.
POSITION: WR
SCHOOL: Ohio St.
ARM LENGTH: 32 1/8"
HANDS: 10 1/2"

Overview
Thomas is the nephew of former USC and NFL star receiver Keyshawn Johnson, which portends an excellent pro career. His road to this spot has been bumpy at times, however. Passed over by USC and UCLA as a high school recruit, Thomas went to Fork Union Military Academy (where he roomed with OSU quarterback Cardale Jones) instead of accepting scholarship offers from second-tier programs. He played in 11 games as a freshman, catching just three passes (22 yards) for the Buckeyes, and then was redshirted for the 2013 season just one game in because he was struggling to learn the offense and make his grades. Just one year later, Thomas became the leading receiver (54 catches, 799 yards, nine scores) on a national championship squad. He proved 2014 wasn’t a fluke by once again leading the Buckeyes with 56 catches, 781 yards, and nine touchdowns this fall, garnering third-team All-Big Ten honors from league coaches and media. Thomas won't be picked No. 1 overall like his uncle, but an NFL team will see his potential as a Sunday playmaker.

Pro Day Results

40-yard dash: 4.55 seconds
Vertical: 33 1/2 inches

SELECTED BY: Saints
ROUND: 2
PICK (OVERALL): 16 (47)

PICK ANALYSIS:
"His greatest strengths are that he has ball skill and he's a competitive SOB. He's a refuse-to-lose type player. I think that he will have a long career in the NFL." -- Ohio State coach Urban Meyer

COMBINE STATS
40 YARD DASH: 4.57 SEC
BENCH PRESS: 18 REPS
VERTICAL JUMP: 35.0 INCH
BROAD JUMP: 126.0 INCH
3 CONE DRILL: 6.80 SEC
20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.13 SEC
60 YARD SHUTTLE: 11.70 SEC


ANALYSIS

Strengths
Has the triangle numbers (height/weight/speed) of a WR1. Drives off the line of scrimmage selling his vertical push and forcing cornerbacks into passive position. Uses plus separation quickness at top of his route to provide comfortable passing window. Hands catcher who catches away from his frame when possible. Wasn't asked to work vertically much, but tape looks like he has a shot. Has the juice after catch to make defenses pay the price for missed tackles. Real red zone target who stacks the defender, tracks throw out of quarterback's hand and makes late play on the ball over top of defender. Has desired traits and flashes the tools.


Weaknesses
Struggles with footwork out of press release spending excessive time trying to fake and shake cornerbacks. Still figuring out this whole "route running" thing. Needs to improve playing through contact and adjusting routes appropriately. Still thinking rather than just playing. Will have to work back to the throw more often on NFL level. Won't win over quarterbacks with inability to rescue the off-*target throws. Plays with passive field demeanor against aggressive cornerbacks. Won't go looking for work as run blocker if he doesn't have to. Doesn't appear to offer special teams value.


Draft Projection
Rounds 2 or 3


NFL Comparison
Charles Johnson


Bottom Line
Thomas has just scratched the surface of his potential in Ohio State's offense full of quick outs and tunnel screens. While he has the size and potential to excite offensive coordinators, Thomas is still a work in progress who must develop a greater feel for the position if he is to match his traits with real NFL production. Thomas has a relatively high ceiling, but his floor is "bust."

Re: 2016 Saints Draft Live Discussion Thread
 

Great pick. Can't wait to see him in action!

Re: 2016 Saints Draft Live Discussion Thread
 

Awesome pick there. Snead and Cooks are both #2's. We need a big, skillfull #1.

Re: 2016 Saints Draft Live Discussion Thread
 

Im not super happy about the pick....but still plenty of DTs available. Would have been reaching for a speed end or OLB.

Re: 2016 Saints Draft Live Discussion Thread
 

Avoid eating spaghetti before watching his film...

Re: 2016 Saints Draft Live Discussion Thread
 

Re: 2016 Saints Draft Live Discussion Thread
 

Yeah, we just saw nearly every defensive linemen everyone here at B&G wanted go off the board...in the second round...

The best wide receivers went off the board in the first round...

Re: 2016 Saints Draft Live Discussion Thread
 

As i said i think getting more line help was better but i get the pick. We lost the big receiver when Colston went. Dont think Coleman has shown enough to take that spot.

Re: 2016 Saints Draft Live Discussion Thread
 

Struggles with footwork out of press

struggles is putting lightly. He got eaten up by Eric Murry CB Min. gave up 6" and spent the game in his grill and naturalized him.