2016 NFL Draft: Ohio State’s Michael Thomas Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Ohio State’s Michael Thomas Scouting Report.
Michael Thomas is a long and lean wide receiver prospect who wins thanks to his length. He does a good job putting himself in strong position to attack the ball at its highest point. Thomas also features some savvy to his game in that he knows how to change speeds.
He needs that savvy to be effective because he doesn’t have the top-end speed most evaluators look for in a wide receiver. Thomas isn’t the type who’ll outpace defenders and take the top off a defense. However, his size allows him to make an impact down the field in jump-ball situations.
Thomas is a smooth route runner thanks to his ability to quickly change direction. He was one of the top combine performers in the 3-cone drill which shows hip fluidity and ability to generate separation. This skill is hard to find in receivers that possess Thomas’ type of length.
He’s more of a well-rounded receiver than most realize. His overall production was hindered by the inconsistent quarterback play at Ohio State. He was forced to deal with three different type of quarterbacks in Braxton Miller, Cardale Jones and JT Barrett.
He is a willing run blocker who uses his arm length to gain inside placement. Thomas doesn’t have the strength to deliver blocks like a Larry Fitzgerald, but his effort is more than enough to helps spring the running back lose for some long runs.
There’s a chance that Thomas sneaks into the first round, but he won’t slip past the third round.
Current Draft Range: 2nd Round