Michael Thomas considered NFL's Best Route Runner

Stalwart385 said

That's tough for me. Guess depends on the definition. He has really good routes, savvy. Just don't think he has the quickness and speed some do. So some people routes might lead to more separation. For his size, I think his route running is an outlier. I would say he has the best hands any day. He's also great at creating space with his body if he is covered.

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The receiver you're describing is basically Julio Jones, or maybe Hopkins. Both of whom Thomas has beat from a pure numbers perspective. Julio has name power and pedigree, with the a log to back it up, but I wouldn't consider route running one of his specialties. Hopkins supposedly has deep speed, but finds himself running the same 40 time as MT. Beyond MT, Jones, and Hopkins, WRs become more specialized toward speed, hands, and size. Namely guys like Tyreek Hill or Mike Evans.

In short, I think Thomas has plenty of speed/quickness/etc, but the routes coach draws up don't exactly highlight that part of his game - nor does it need to.