Michael Thomas NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Rams Rookie

POSITIVES

A senior wideout, Michael Thomas began his career at Dodge City (Kansas) Community College before landing at Southern Miss before the 2014 season. In his first season of FBS football, Thomas started nine games, caught 41 balls and had over 1,200 total yards as a receiver and returner.

Thomas is a high-motor player and a competitor. Watching his two seasons at USM, you can see that he was starting to understand the game more and more each week. Another year in college could have greatly increased his draft stock if it were available.

Playing above the turf is something Thomas can do. With a 36-inch vertical jump, he's able to climb the ladder to get the ball at its highest point and fight for contested catches. He plays the ball like it's his. Without great speed, Thomas has to claw his way to yards after the catch, but he has no problem playing aggressively and making something happen.

NEGATIVES

In two seasons, on 186 targets, Thomas dropped nine passes and saw eight throws intended for him intercepted. Thomas was a one-year wonder at USM and must prove he's the real deal and not a product of the system. Playing against lower-level FBS competition doesn't help that.

Running a full route tree isn't something Thomas has done at Southern Miss. He lived primarily underneath the defense and over the middle. Playing only at left wide receiver in the USM offense, Thomas will have to transition to playing on the right side of the offense in the NFL.

As an athlete, Thomas looks average on film. He's not twitchy but lacks the straight-line speed to explode past defenders. Given he has average size, you wonder how he'll get open in the NFL without size or speed.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 200 lbs.

40 Time: 4.53s

3-Cone: 7.06s

Short Shuttle: 4.29s

PRO COMPARISON: Kenny Stills, Miami Dolphins
FINAL GRADE: 5.40/9.00 (Round 7—Backup Caliber)