2016 NFL Draft: 10 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Target
By Peter Panacy
Wide Receiver Michael Thomas, Ohio State
If fellow Buckeyes receiver Braxton Miller is a little too raw for the 49ers’ liking, former teammate Michael Thomas could easily be just as good a fit at the position.
Like Miller, Thomas has good size. At 6’3″ and 210 pounds, Thomas has the potential to be an excellent red-zone target — something San Francisco desperately needs after lackluster performances here in recent seasons.
Thomas may not have the breakneck speed one would hope out of a first- or second-round receiver. Yet neither does veteran wideout Anquan Boldin. Thomas utilizes his hands and route-running to make impact plays.
STRENGTHS: Well-built frame with ideal height and muscle definition for the position. Natural hands to attack the ball away from his body, showing usually terrific hand-eye coordination. Reliable in 50/50 situations, using his body strength and powerful hands to establish body position and out-physical defensive backs.
Strategic route-runner and very deliberate in his patterns, using his footwork to get defenders leaning and commit their hips. Athletic toe-tapper along the sidelines. Strong strides to accelerate and pick up speed as he goes. Determined leaper to highpoint.
WEAKNESSES: Lacks above average start/stop athleticism to easily create outside of the route. Cornerbacks can match his burst and vertical speed, limiting his ability to consistently separate. Mechanical at times in his movements, lacking ideal lower body fluidity. Strong hands, but will have some focus drops, thinking too much about his surroundings.
— Dane Brugler, CBS Sports (2/16/16)
Why He Fits:
As noted previously with Miller, the 49ers will need a long-term replacement for Boldin at some point sooner rather than later. And it could even be this season.
Speed is an inherent part of head coach Chip Kelly’s offense. So Thomas has a mark against him here. But great hands and polished route-running trump elite speed in nearly every instance. And it’s hard to overlook his sheer size when contemplating the 49ers’ red-zone offense.
Thomas is also a type of player who could come in and contribute right away. He wouldn’t need much refinement at the pro level like his teammate Miller will.
Next: G Joshua Garnett