Draft Season At Vikings Territory: WR Michael Thomas Scouting Report
Adam Warwas
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[This Michael Thomas scouting report, with a Vikings slant, has been provided to Vikings Territory by Draft Season. Be sure to check back for more and also be sure to visit Draft Season to quench your NFL Draft thirst.]
Michael Thomas | Wide Receiver, Ohio St.
Measurements
Height – 6’3
Weight – 212 Lbs.
Age – 21
At First Glance
2015 All-Big Ten 3rd Team, Nephew of former #1 choice Keyshawn Johnson
Pros
Route running is about as good as it comes coming out of college
Has the strength and body to out match opposing cornerbacks when going for the ball
Good hands, looks like a natural catching the ball
Very well rounded, does all the little things you want to see in a receiver coming out of college
Good blood lines, nephew of former #1 draft pick wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson
Managed to put up numbers (56 rec. 781 yards, 9 TDs) even in an offense that wasn’t overly pass happy
Fights for extra yards and can make plays after he gets the ball in his hands
Manages to get a good number of pass interference calls to go his way
Cons
Not the flashiest receiver, won’t wow you with his speed or athleticism
Not a horrible run blocker, but needs to improve in that area
Looks stiff at times
Has had some questions about his work ethic and desire in the past
Struggles to get off the line against more physical corners
Lower body could use some beefing up
Will need to adjust to more of a NFL style offense
NFL Player Comparison
Eric Decker WR, New York Jets
Like Decker, he might not be the flashiest receiver in the draft but he does everything well, from running clean routes to the ability to extend a play.
The Vikings Slant
The Vikings found a diamond in the rough in Stefon Diggs who should be poised to start the season as the Vikings #1 receiver in 2016 with Jarius Wright in the slot. Behind them? Well, not a ton. Mike Wallace isn’t expected back (at least at his current price), Charles Johnson was inactive down the stretch, and Patterson at this point is not even a consideration to see the field at receiver.
It would be a mild shock if the Vikings didn’t take a receiver with one of their first 3 picks come draft weekend. As of now, Thomas is the best of the bunch and projected to go anywhere from the middle of the first round all the way to early second round, making him a real possibility at pick #23.
At 6’3″ and 212 lbs., he has some good size and would be a solid compliment to the smaller and shiftier Diggs. While his tape won’t wow you with a ton of splashy plays, with clean routes, above average hands, and his ability to go up and get the ball he does all of the important things well.
Thomas has been the Buckeyes best receiver the past few years, which is saying something considering former Buckeye Devin Smith watched his name come off the board at pick 37 in 2015.
Thomas could step in day one and be the Vikings go-to possession receiver, allowing Stefon to spread his wings a bit more and give Teddy a shiny new toy that can make plays after the catch.
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