Michael Thomas looks to join NFL elite in 2018. (1 Viewer)

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By Drew Gagneaux | Saintsreport.com Staff Writer

In the 2nd round of the 2016 NFL draft the New Orleans Saints selected WR Michael Thomas, out of Ohio State University. In 2016, Thomas set Saints rookie records for receptions (92), receiving yards (1137) and receiving touchdowns (9). In 2017 he earned a Pro Bowl nod with a franchise record 104 receptions for 1245 yards and 5 touchdowns. In 2018 Thomas looks to continue his dominance at the NFL level.

The main reason the Thomas' touchdown numbers were down in 2017 was because defenses could key in on him in the red-zone. Ted Ginn Jr. was a deep threat, and Coby Fleener, Brandon Coleman and Willie Snead did not scare defenses enough from keying in on Thomas. 2018 offseason acquisitions Cameron Meredith, Ben Watson, and 3rd round rookie Tre'Quan Smith should scare defenses a little more inside the red-zone. This sets Thomas up to have a monster season. From Desmond Trufant to Xavier Rhodes there wasn't a cornerback in the NFL safe from Cantguardmike last season and that is because Thomas doesn't rely on speed or strength to beat opposing cornerbacks he just knows how to get open. That's the reason he fell to the 2nd round in the first place was because he didn't have the 'measurables' to become an elite reciever according to draft pundits. This is the same reason Marques Colston fell to end of the 7th round, also coming out of Hofstra University didn't help his cause either. This should go to show all scouts, let the gameplay do the talking, not the combine numbers.

Thomas has all the tools to join the ranks of the NFL elite at wide reciever in 2018. A hall of fame quarterback, weapons to take away some of the defenses attention, and a skill-set unlike any other reciever in the NFL. Another stat unique to Thomas is that he has huge hands that seem to have glue attached to them as Thomas has only had two fumbles and two dropped passes in two seasons. In 2018 I fully expect this streak of reliability to continue and I expect Michael Thomas will become an All-Pro reciever in 2018.