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Mike Thomas, WR, Southern Miss.: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jonathan Gross

Dec 5, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles wide receiver Mike Thomas (88) catches the ball in front of Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Prince Charles Iworah (30) during the first half of the Conference USA football championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Southern Miss Golden Eagles wide receiver Mike Thomas (88) catches the ball in front of Western Kentucky Hilltoppers defensive back Prince Charles Iworah (30) during the first half of the Conference USA football championship game at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports /
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An impressive senior season put Southern Miss. receiver Mike Thomas in the spotlight. Has he done enough to prove his work to NFL front offices?

Anyone who hauls in 14 touchdowns in a season is a noteworthy receiver. Mike Thomas did just that in 2015. In addition, he totaled 1,391 yards on 71 catches in his senior season. After transferring from a JUCO school, Thomas became the go-to receiver for the Golden Eagles. Tremendous production and a superb work ethic have the under-the-radar wide out climbing up draft boards.

Measurables

6-1

200 pounds

4.4 second 40-yard dash

36.5 inch vertical

Strengths

As was mentioned earlier, Thomas puts up big numbers. He was capable of being the number one target in Southern Miss’ offense and drew double teams at times.

At 6-1, 200 pounds, Thomas has decent size. He plays even bigger, however. He is able to go up high and make catches, rip balls away from defenders and shrug off would-be tacklers.

What stands out the most about the former Golden Eagles’ game is his motor. He is a relentless athlete who operates at 110% on every single play, whether he is blocking or going out for a pass. A player like Thomas can inspire teammates to match his effort level.

Check out the above video. This 69-yard touchdown catch illustrates Thomas’ ability to catch in space, break tackles and utilize his deceptive speed.

Weaknesses

While Thomas did impress as a senior, he only has two seasons of Division I football under his belt. Teams may see that as a non-issue but it’s still something to keep in mind. Also, even at the D-I level, he did not face elite competition while playing in Conference-USA.

Thomas is not the most athletic receiver either. While he does have long-distance speed, he won’t burn defensive backs right off of the snap.

Most notably, Thomas has an eye-popping 10.1 percent drop rate, something that needs to improve if he wants to make it at the next level.

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Outlook

Anyone who works as hard as Mike Thomas does has a chance to succeed in the NFL. His production is off-the-charts, but his game could still use improvements. He’s a low risk, high reward guy that a team looking to add weapons may want to pick.

Thomas will probably end up as a sixth round draft choice.

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