We’ve chatted about the Steelers looking to possibly add a WR either in the draft or free agency to take the spot left by Nate Washington when he left the team. The team talked today to Mike Thomas, a wide receiver from Arizona.
He is the first “outside” college player to talk to the club. The team has talked to a number of players from home, but Thomas comes from the desert to talk to the team. Thomas is a bit undersized, as he’s only 5-foot-8 1/2. He did earn all-Pac 10 honors last season as a receiver and punt returner.
He set the conference record with 259 career receptions and was timed at 4.30 in the 40-yard sprint at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.
Here is another outlook on Thomas and the good and bad on him from 3rdStringSafety.com
Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona
Height:5?8
Weight:195 lbs
Positives: There is a ton of tape on Thomas. He played four years at the University of Arizona, and has played in both the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine Game. People know what they are going to get with Thomas. What you are getting is a specialized weapon. He is the prototypical slot receiver. He possesses decent speed, but is quicker then he is fast. Has great hands and bailed out Willie Tuitama more times than most realize during this year. One of the better route runners in this draft. Is a decent kick returner.
Negatives: Thomas is a specialized weapon. He can’t play outside, or against bigger defensive backs. His height will keep him from ever playing outside. He doesn’t attack the ball all that well. Is only 5?8 which is absolutely tiny. Having seen him on Campus when I was there, He may be even shorter than that.
Projection: 4th Round
Thomas and Jarrett Dillard have Wes Welker to thank for raising their stock a lot. He has created this new position that is garnering more and more consideration across the league. It used to be an insult if you called a receiver a slot receiver. Now, It’s just another classification. Thomas will work best in a West Coast system, or one that had a deep threat that can open up the middle.
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Victor
April 11, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Here is the thing I am a huge Dallas fan, you know I am by nature a Pitt hater. None the less I have seen Mike Thomas play for four years at Arizona, being that i am from Tucson, He is considerably the most under-rated Pac-10 player. I have seen d-backs under estimate him, and the next thing you know he is blowing right by them. He has earned respect, hopefully it will carry over into the NFL.
Mike is a weapon, explosive, not “decent” better than that . he is much faster and quicker than he appears, he is a very good athelete with huge potential if used correctly, not great because Jerry Rice is great there is not many of those.
Most importantly Mike is team first and a hell of a person on and off the field. Can’t say that about too many players these days. “Wish Da Boys would pick him up, they need speed” and DESCENT people.thanks.