Minnesota Vikings draft: Five potential WR targets
By Dan Zinski
4. Michael Thomas (6-2, 210)
The No. 20 prospect on Draft Insider’s Big Board. Walter Football thinks Thomas is very well-rounded and would be a legitimate vertical threat in the NFL. CBSSports.com notes Thomas’s lack of raw athleticism and throws out Reuben Randle as an NFL comparison. NFL Mocks likes Thomas’ size and strength and thinks he makes sense in the late first. PFF thinks Thomas could develop into a #1 and compares him to Michael Floyd.
"Thomas has the potential to develop into a number one receiver, particularly given his ability to shake loose with double moves. At worst there’s a good chance that he’s a very good number two receiver, and would fit well in most offenses."
USA Today notes that Thomas had drop issues at times and didn’t fight back to the ball when his QB was scrambling. Greg Gabriel of National Football Post likes Thomas’ upside but thinks he should have stayed in school another year. NFL.com notes that Thomas sometimes struggles beating the press. Their NFL comparison? Charles Johnson.
The concern here is that Thomas is still a bit on the raw side and will need time to develop. The Vikings after letting Mike Wallace walk are a little thin in the receiver department and could probably use someone to step in immediately and help out. Treadwell is probably the most NFL-ready receiver in the whole group, and Doctson also is someone who looks like he’d be able to take on a big role right out of the chute.