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Brees has traditionally invited his teammates to come to San Diego in July to work out with him and his longtime trainer, Todd Durkin. Two years ago, he had his receivers stand-up paddle boarding (some of them awkwardly).

Now Thomas has a chance to take his place alongside Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham, Darren Sproles and Brandin Cooks as one of Brees’ most productive business partners ever -- maybe even topping them all, if last year was any indication.

Thomas had one of the greatest rookie seasons of any receiver in NFL history last year after being drafted in the second round out of Ohio State. His 92 catches were the second-most by a rookie all-time, behind only Anquan Boldin. He also had 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns in just 15 games played.

Thomas has embraced the high expectations this offseason -- and the No. 1 receiver role that he inherited after the Saints traded Cooks to the New England Patriots. Thomas said this offseason that he added about 10 pounds of muscle and, "I want to be one of the best to ever play the game, so I put a lot of pressure on myself."

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Originally Posted by The Dude (Post 755340) Gonna be our best receiver to date.

Originally Posted by hagan714 (Post 755361) Thomas was hard to scout with the funky way OSU used the dual QB system the entire time he was there. Hats off for that pick, so far. need other WR out there.

Originally Posted by Seer1 (Post 755410) Not for me. He did well with either one of'em. Hell he even got Cardell a Heisman consideration and into the pros. It's not often a WR can do that for his QB9s).

Originally Posted by AsylumGuido (Post 755302) This is cool. https://twitter.com/STACKMedia/statu...72256229302272

Originally Posted by The Dude (Post 755340) Gonna be our best receiver to date.

Originally Posted by SmashMouth (Post 755417) OK... I'll say it... what everybody is now thinking. He's going to give Jerry Rice a run for his money... maybe even surpass him. :bng:

Originally Posted by AsylumGuido (Post 755411) Although he was underutilized for the promise that he showed, right?

Originally Posted by K Major (Post 755449) Honestly, I didn't expect MT to have such an impact this early.

Originally Posted by SmashMouth (Post 755417) OK... I'll say it... what everybody is now thinking. He's going to give Jerry Rice a run for his money... maybe even surpass him, barring any injury. :bng:

Originally Posted by The Dude (Post 755340) Gonna be our best receiver to date.

Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II (Post 755518) I've never dated a receiver..............just sayin':razz:

Originally Posted by The Dude (Post 755340) Gonna be our best receiver to date.

Originally Posted by dizzle88 (Post 755307) The main thing I like about Thomas is no situation is too much for him. One moment that stands out to me was the Seattle game. Richard Sherman tries to get into peoples heads every week, Thomas went head on with him and made Sherman whine like the little princess he is. He outmuscled Sherman at the line and was aggressive after the catch. Would he rest on his laurels after a successful rookie season? I think not, he packs on 15 pounds of muscle and works tirelessly to cement himself as the number 1 WR.

Originally Posted by Beastmode (Post 755554) Some indicators of a sophomore slump but not much. Snead will skim some of his targets just like MT did with Cooks, drawing the tier 1 CB every week and the run game. Good chance it shortens the field a little more with AP. Anyway, that is my IMO. It won't be for lack of talent though.

Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II (Post 755518) I've never dated a receiver..............just sayin':razz:

Originally Posted by Beastmode (Post 755554) Some indicators of a sophomore slump but not much.

Originally Posted by K Major (Post 755581) I wanted to back up stats on my previous post as it relates to sophomore surge ^^^ : Marques C - 98 catches @ 1,202 & 11 TD's as a sophomore. Meachem - best season of his career was a sophomore - 9 TD's/722 yards. Devery - Devery's sophomore was CJ's first as a coach. He went from 22/343 & 3 TD's to 32/745 & 5 TD's (2006). Cooks - he isn't a CJ guy but still ... 84 / 1,138 & 9TDs. Jimmy Dickens - a mere 99 receptions 1,310 and 11 TD's as a sophomore. Our receiving core is in good hands. Bring it.

Originally Posted by WillSaints81 (Post 755605) Meachem was in his third season in 2009?

Originally Posted by AsylumGuido (Post 755272) While a select few would like to see Brees sit out training camp, Brees knows better. This is what makes him among the greatest of all time. He never stops trying to improve and imparts that upon his receivers.

Originally Posted by UK_WhoDat (Post 755726) I agree. Brees is a role model for, well, just about anyone. Football or otherwise. Feeling down about your worth. Look at Brees ethic, copy. Your future will be better for it.

Originally Posted by AsylumGuido (Post 755523) Wouldn't have minded dating some in your avatar. http://blackandgold.com/customavatars/avatar5592_25.gif[/QUOTE There will be about fifteen women's rugby teams playing this weekend in Chattanooga TN and I will be there refereeing some hotties who love the attention. We camp out over night with free beer and free entertainment.:p

Originally Posted by Rugby Saint II (Post 755790) If you have time to hit Nashville on the way back you can see my son perform at Rippy's on Broadway.