Re-Drafting the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft

7. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Thomas, WR

Original Pick: DL DeForest Buckner

It is difficult to argue with any of these early picks. Teams did well early in the 2016 NFL Draft and the San Francisco 49ers taking DeForest Buckner is not an exception. Buckner has established himself as a strong interior rusher and has obvious upside going forward. That being said, in this perfect world, the 49ers snag an All-Pro pass catcher to add to the mix.

Michael Thomas fell to the second round of the 2016 draft, where the New Orleans Saints scooped him up. Thomas has quickly become the top receiver in the Saints’ offense and has established himself as one of the premier receivers in the NFL.

He has finished each season of his career with over 1,000 receiving yards and really exploded onto the scene with his performance last season. In 2018, Thomas led the NFL with 125 receptions which led to 1,405 and nine touchdowns.

He is a sneakily athletic receiver and smooth route runner who can get open all over the field. Thomas has shown the ability to win against man coverage and find open space against zone. He is also one of the best contested catch receivers in the entire NFL.

The 49ers could certainly use a dynamic number one option like Thomas right now and were not exactly loaded with receivers in 2016, making him a strong fit.