Saints’ Thomas primed to thrive in Colston’s former role

METAIRIE, La.—Saints receiver Michael Thomas sounds eager to accept the responsibility of being a “No. 1” receiver in New Orleans’ prolific offense, even if he doesn’t necessarily like such labels.

The 6-foot-3, 212-pound Thomas lines up at the “X’’ position that Saints career receiving leader Marques Colston held from 2006 to 2015. And in his second NFL season, he often will be quarterback Drew Brees’ first read. He will draw matchups against opponents’ best defensive backs—and routinely run routes in double coverage.

So far, signs point to Thomas thriving in that role.

As a rookie, he led New Orleans in catches with 92 and touchdowns with nine. His 1,137 yards receiving ranked second on the team, only 36 yards behind the total put up by Brandin Cooks, who was traded to New England this past offseason.

And as quarterback Drew Brees pointed out, Thomas had a lot to learn as a rookie, and looked considerably more comfortable during the latter half of last season.

Now, Brees said, Thomas “can play fast,” because he knows what to do.

Thomas worked out with Brees in California during the offseason, further deepening a connection that has been evident during 11-on-11 drills since 2017 camp opened.

=Among those least surprised by Thomas’ quick rise is safety Vonn Bell, who also was Thomas’ teammate at Ohio State. He recalls Thomas making plays in practice against cornerback Bradley Roby, a 2014 first-round draft choice by Denver.

Bell said Thomas had a relatively “quiet” college career because “it was a whole different offense. So it was hard for him to just get the ball out there and be a true ‘X.’ Now it’s drop-back, play-action.”

Brees identified one of Thomas’ strengths as running routes “with violence,” which caused defensive backs who try to press Thomas near the line of scrimmage to be bumped off balance and lose leverage.

Thomas said his past, which had its share of disappointment, will prevent him from becoming content. During his sophomore year at Ohio State in 2013, Thomas was redshirted, meaning he could practice, but not play that season. He responded by helping Ohio State win the 2014 national championship. He had another strong season in 2015, only to drop into the second round of the 2016 NFL draft.

“I’ve still got a lot to prove— and I’ll prove it when it’s all said and done,” Thomas said.