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Rams43
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FootballGenius
After the suspension but with the way McVay has been talking about him it sure seems like they have plans for him.
Maybe McVay needs him, more than wants him, FG.
McVay wants and needs a deep threat. Tavon doesn't look like he's it.
Reynolds is a rookie and currently nursing a hamstring.
None of our other likely keepers look like true deep threats.
Sooooo...
By a process of elimination McVay finds that he needs to accommodate Thomas a little bit. Okay, more than a little bit.
For at least this first season. Lol.
That's my theory, anyway.
They liked Thomas in OTAs and were praising him before the suspension was announced.
So I don't think it's necessarily at all the case that favoring Thomas is reluctant, forced by circumstances, done out of sheer necessity, or any of that.
I think it's far more likely that they just like him as a player.
Thomas had a rough rookie season (as rookie WRs often will) and then got suspended. Maybe these things weigh too much in our minds? Maybe it's all drowning out what McVay was actually saying about him before the suspension. And in fact some draft gurus singled him out as a steal and potential sleeper.
Now I ain't sayin he's the new DeSean Jackson.
But it SOUNDS like he could just turn out to be a better deep threat role player than Avery or Givens. Which isn't saying that much but heck, the Rams got something out of those 2 for a bit. It's just that they were not complete enough receivers to get over the one trick pony problem...and maybe Thomas is more than that.
Here's Goff on Thomas from BEFORE when the suspension was announced:
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from Rams rookie receivers could push second-year pros for playing timeGary Klein
[
www.latimes.com]
Thomas impressed during offseason workouts. He avoided drops and made several difficult catches.
“It’s all about relaxing,” he said, adding, “Last year, I was a little hesitant. … In Year 2, you got to step up.”
Thomas has done that, Goff said.
Goff again:
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(On how much WRs Mike Thomas and Pharoh Cooper have grown)
“Tremendously. It’s the same type of thing that I was talking about with Todd. Maturity and continuing to grow. In talking about Mike, he’s kind of found a role for himself. He’s one of our faster receivers and can stretch the defense. I think he enjoys that role and understands that he’s going to be an over the top guy. It’s just a perfect role for him.
And McVay:
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from Five Questions for Rams MinicampBy Myles Simmons
[
www.therams.com]
McVay has spoken highly of second-year wideout Mike Thomas, saying he’s been impressed with Thomas’ speed.
