Los Angeles Rams WR Mike Thomas could have a surprising 2016 season
By Alex Alarcon
With the 206th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, The Los Angeles Rams select Mike Thomas, WR Southern Mississippi
The Los Angeles Rams went offense for the most part of their draft picks, and their selection of WR Mike Thomas could be a steal. According to Pro Football Focus, their team of evaluators released its list of the top 10 sleeper picks of the 2016 NFL draft as Thomas checked in at No. 3 on the list. Thomas had their 11th highest receiving grade of all the wideouts in this year’s class. According to PFF’s metrics, Thomas averaged 2.98 yards per route run, which was fifth best among receivers in the class.
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Pretty good selection with the 206th pick if you ask me. He also shined in his senior year at Southern Mississippi. Thomas Tallied 1,391 receiving yards and 311 kickoff return yards for 1,702 all-purpose yards. Finished the year with 1,391 yards receiving on 71 catches and fourteen touchdowns. With that in mind, PFF also mentioned Thomas flashed signs of a future star.
"Thomas likely fell in the draft due to average measurable and the fact that he played against a lower level of competition at Southern Miss. But he had the 11th highest receiving grade in this draft class, and flashed the kind of ability at times that leads you to believe he has a chance to develop into a very special player. His 2.98 yards per route run average was the fifth-best mark of any receiver in this draft class. His second-highest game grade of the year came against Washington in the bowl game, which should at least somewhat dampen fears about the level of competition he faced. He’s a potential steal for the Rams, which currently doesn’t have the strongest offensive supporting cast around new QB Jared Goff."
If the Los Angeles Rams use Thomas in the offense, I think he does have the potential to prove his value was a lot higher than the 206th draft pick. According to Ramblin Fan Staff Writer T.J. Randall, he pictures Thomas having 31 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in the 2016 season. If Franchise quarterback Jared Goff can make an early friendship with Thomas in training camp, expect those two to continue to help each other out on the offense. Thomas also got an early draft grade of “A” from Ramblin Fan Co-Editor Blaine Grisak.
"“Being drafted in the 6th round, not only did they get good value, but they get a guy that’s motivated to prove people wrong. There is a good chance he becomes the number two receiver for the Rams this year on the other side of Kenny Britt with Tavon Austin playing in the slot.”"
Trust me, Los Angeles Rams WR Mike Thomas is one to watch this season. He’s motivated and ready to bring his talent to Los Angeles. Do you think Mike Thomas can prove the doubters wrong in 2016?