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Photo of Mike Thomas
Grade
?
  • 4.40 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 40.5 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 126.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 6.65 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.28 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 5'8" Height
  • 195LBS. Weight

Overview

Thomas may be shorter than scouts would like, but he has everything else to buck the odds as an undersized NFL receiver. Thomas' reliable hands, crisp routes, agility and straight-line speed make him a legitimate playmaker as a receiver and return specialist.

The Pac-10's all-time leader with 259 receptions, Thomas twice earned first-team all-conference accolades, registering 157 catches and 15 touchdowns over his final two seasons. Wanting to show scouts that he could contribute on special teams as well, Thomas moved to punt returner as a senior, scoring two touchdowns and garnering first-team All-Pac-10 accolades.

Sure, he lacks size, but a slot receiver with Thomas' return ability will find his way into the middle of teams' draft boards. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 3/8 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Short, but has a strong, surprisingly think frame. Good initial burst off the snap and can quickly eat up the cushion if unchallenged at the line of scrimmage. Can sink his hips and shows good immediate burst out of his breaks. Good toughness as a receiver and returner. Not afraid of contact and will go over the middle or attack the seam as a returner with reckless abandon. Good vision for the cutback and sets up his blocks well. Soft hands for the reception. Can pluck outside of his frame. Good body control to make extend and make the tough catch. Short, but times his leaps well. Returned two punts as a senior -- his first year as a returner. Solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Well suited to moving inside to the slot position. Negatives: Will be limited to a slot position in the NFL, as he lacks the size and strength to play outside. More quick than fast. Good timed speed, but lacks the top end speed to consistently beat defenders over the top. Prone to lapses in concentration and drops more passes than he should. Production is inflated due to Arizona's spread offense and lack of surrounding playmakers throughout much of Thomas' career.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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