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Top 10 Sleeper Wide Receivers For The Bears In The 2016 NFL Draft

By Johnny Hatelak

Sep 6, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Southeast Missouri State Redhawks wide receiver Paul McRoberts (1) catches a pass for a touchdown against Kansas Jayhawks cornerback JaCorey Shepherd (24) and safety Isaiah Johnson (5) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Kansas won the game 34-28. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Lawrence, KS, USA; Southeast Missouri State Redhawks wide receiver Paul McRoberts (1) catches a pass for a touchdown against Kansas Jayhawks cornerback JaCorey Shepherd (24) and safety Isaiah Johnson (5) in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Kansas won the game 34-28. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Southern Miss Golden Eagles wide receiver Michael Thomas (88) Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Southern Miss Golden Eagles wide receiver Michael Thomas (88) Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

PLAYER OVERVIEW:

Mike Thomas-Southern Mississippi- Mike Thomas not to be confused with Ohio States Michael Thomas is a very talented fairly unknown wide receiver who should get drafted late day 3, but wouldn’t shock me if he was drafted in the middle or even the early portion of day 3. He has that kind of big play ability. He’s an intense player with an engine that revs hot. Played JUCO and transferred to SMU in 2014. Had a rather unremarkable first season, but than broke out with prodigious production in his final season. Hometown kid that the Bears organization should know well and consider highly as I’m almost 100 percent sure he’s on their draft board.

MEASUREABLES AND PRODUCTION:

Impressed at his pro day. Ran well (4.53 40), Jumped well (36″ vert./10.6 broad), and drilled well running crisp routes, and making good times on shuttles and 3 cones etc. Once fairly unknown now a relatively common name among NFL personnel men and scouts as well as media and blogger draftniks all over social media mainly due to these numbers. As I mentioned he had a very productive senior season. Still relatively one hit wonder like as he’s only had 2 seasons in the FBS. Here is his profile page at SMU.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Positives: Thomas is an intense competitor. He’s also a very good athlete with length. He’ll hand fight any cornerback down the field, and usually win. His leaping ability and length has him winning the high majority of his 50/50 balls. Despite not having world class speed makes big play after big play. In spite of his lack of experience against top competition he does have a good feel for running routes.

Negatives: Lack of concentration leads to a lot of drops. 10.1 percent drop rate is way too much and better get cleaned up or he won’t stay in an NFL camp for long. He’s also slender and needs to put on muscle weight  to gain functional strength as it looks like he’ll have issues with bigger stronger grown men cornerbacks getting off press.

Next: Wide Receiver Sleeper #5

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