With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five tight ends

By Maxwell Ogden

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with the football after a reception against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Tight end Mike Gesicki #88 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs with the football after a reception against the Washington Huskies during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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There’s a lot to love about Indiana Hoosiers tight end Ian Thomas. The senior worked his tail off to become a threat in the passing game, earned praise for his improvement as a blocker, and is regarded as one of the best locker room guys in this draft class.

A workhorse in the gym and on the field, Thomas can be a high-level contributor and a positive influence for a team that needs help at tight end.

Thomas recorded just three receptions for 28 yards in 2016, but he broke out in a major way in 2017. Despite being a relatively raw talent, he produced 25 receptions for 376 yards and five touchdowns in 2017—good for 15.0 yards per reception.

Standing at 6’4″ and 259 pounds with long arms and explosive athleticism, Thomas has the raw potential to emerge as the best tight end in his class.

Thomas has 4.74 speed and a 36″ vertical, which will inevitably appeal to teams that want to use a tight end as a deep-ball target. He also has excellent quickness for a player who’s still figuring out the necessary footwork for his position.

Thomas is mostly upside at this juncture, but he has the potential to be the complete package at the tight end position.

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