Instead of picking a defensive player in Round Two of the NFL Draft, the Saints selected Ohio State Wide Receiver Michael Thomas with the 47th overall pick.

New Orleans needed a big, physical receiver to pair with Brandin Cooks and replace Marques Colston, and they didn't want to wait for somebody to fall to them. They liked Thomas so much that they passed on defensive talent like Alabama DL Jarron Reed and Clemson CB Mackensie Alexander. In the end, they wanted their big target, and they got it.

Thomas checks in at 6'3"-212lb, and he was the leading receiver for an explosive Buckeyes offense. He hauled in 18 TD passes and 1,581 yards his final two years at Ohio State, and his 18 bench reps at the combine are a testament to his strength.

He's the nephew of former NFL receiver Keyshawn Johnson, so the pedigree is there too. He's not the player his uncle was, but he has top-tier ability and size to develop into a future WR1 or compliment to Cooks. There are questions about his route running and ability to shake defenders, but he's still pretty raw. If he figures it out at the NFL, he could be a big, dominant target for the Saints.

After watching Thomas' tape, Drew Brees has to be licking his chops.

It might not have been the pick Saints' fans expected, but it could end up being one they love down the line. With Colston gone, maybe Thomas steps right in and becomes one of Brees' new favorite targets.

Thomas joins Cooks, Willie Snead, Brandon Coleman and newly acquired tight end Coby Fleener as pass catchers, so Brees should have some options now.


Welcome to #WhoDatNation, Michael Thomas. Now go catch some touchdowns.

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