Mike Thomas (1 Viewer)

[FantasyTrader]

Digging for a deeeeeep developmental stash? Excerpt from my article this week. He's slowly getting more looks and Holt looks washed.

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The Damage: David Garrard - #1 QB in week 4 (31.25 FP), Mike Sims-Walker - #2 WR in week 4 (28.10 FP), Marcedes Lewis - #4 TE in week4 (17.6 FP).

The Diagnosis: Granted, the above was done against the Tennessee Titans who apparently forgot how to defense the forward pass but David Garrard and the Jacksonville Jaguars are onto something. You'd do well to hop on this train in any fashion you can because it's leaving the station. Hindsight is obviously 20/20, but the reason for the Jags slow start is coming into focus. They (along with everyone else) were treating Mr. Torry Holt as a #1 WR, which he no longer is.

Only after being forced to feed Mike Sims-Walker did they realize he is the real freaking deal. He's now posted three consecutive weeks of double-digit fantasy points and will be a top 25 fantasy receiver when the dust settles on '09.

The second underlying factor to Garrard's success is the late-bloom of 4th year TE Marcedes Lewis. He's hauled in 61% of his targets for 11 catches and two scores this year. He had every bit of talent you could ask for in a TE entering the league. The light may be coming on.

Aaaaaand don't look now, but there's a sneaky little dynasty play beginning to emerge from this group. I need you to quietly put a minimum bid in this week on rookie WR Mike Thomas. He's a 5'8" 195 lb. shrimp of a 4th rounder out of Arizona with 4.30 40 track-star speed. Here's our preseason bio on the kid. His weekly targets this year have gone from 0, 0 and 1 - to five this past weekend (same number as Holt) and he's caught all six targets for 41 yds. He could be doing a fine impression of Johnny Knox very soon.

The spark plug powering all of it is, of course, Maurice Jones-Drew and dude is absolutely on fire, averaging 4.7 yards per through September. Jones-Drew owners would be very wise to find a spot for rookie Rashad Jennings who's clearly emerged as MJD's backup, averaging 4.6 yds a clip himself.

If it pans out, just remember who put you on Mike Thomas before Mike Thomas was cool.

 

[David Yudkin]

People have been pimping Walker around here for over a year. A little late to the game, no?

 

[aldelgreco]

do you mean mike thomas? pretty sure you don't have to dig too deep for MSW in most leagues.

 

[finito]

Think you mean "Thomas" in the title, not "Walker."

But I agree, I really like Thomas a lot in the future.

 

[sandlotshrink]

Mike Sims-Walker?

Mike Thomas?

 

[FantasyTrader]

Think you mean "Thomas" in the title, not "Walker." But I agree, I really like Thomas a lot in the future.

Good lord - yes, thank you.

 

[The Real Yoda]

Mike Thomas was a 2nd/3rd round rookie pick in my dynasty leagues. He isn't on the waiver wire in any of em. Same with Dillard.

Preseason everybody was going back and forth between Dillard and Thomas...looking like the scales have tipped in Mikey's direction early.

 

[FantasyTrader]

Mike Thomas was a 2nd/3rd round rookie pick in my dynasty leagues. He isn't on the waiver wire in any of em. Same with Dillard.Preseason everybody was going back and forth between Dillard and Thomas...looking like the scales have tipped in Mikey's direction early.

Really? He went undrafted in my home dyansty leagues. Wasn't even a blip on the radar. But that included vet FA's.

 

[Rodeojones]

Mike Thomas was a 2nd/3rd round rookie pick in my dynasty leagues. He isn't on the waiver wire in any of em. Same with Dillard.

Preseason everybody was going back and forth between Dillard and Thomas...looking like the scales have tipped in Mikey's direction early.

Same here..not available in any of my leagues but thanks to EBF (who is the original pimp of Mike Thomas), I drafted him in 6 of my 8 dynasty leagues.

 

[finito]

Was dropped a couple of weeks ago in one of my dynasty leagues and was snatched up quickly.

 

[MAC_32]

If I get an opportunity to buy him I will but that opportunity has not presented itself yet. Unfortunately it appears as though he'll have to get hurt for me to get that opportunity, this kid's good. I didn't have any picks between 15 and 30 in either of my dyno's and Thomas went in that range in both.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Mike Thomas was a 2nd/3rd round rookie pick in my dynasty leagues. He isn't on the waiver wire in any of em. Same with Dillard.

Preseason everybody was going back and forth between Dillard and Thomas...looking like the scales have tipped in Mikey's direction early.

Same here..not available in any of my leagues but thanks to EBF (who is the original pimp of Mike Thomas), I drafted him in 6 of my 8 dynasty leagues.

I remember getting a lot of crap on a thread here when I drafted him in the 2nd round of Hyperactive.

 

[FantasyTrader]

Mike Thomas was a 2nd/3rd round rookie pick in my dynasty leagues. He isn't on the waiver wire in any of em. Same with Dillard.

Preseason everybody was going back and forth between Dillard and Thomas...looking like the scales have tipped in Mikey's direction early.

Same here..not available in any of my leagues but thanks to EBF (who is the original pimp of Mike Thomas), I drafted him in 6 of my 8 dynasty leagues.

I remember getting a lot of crap on a thread here when I drafted him in the 2nd round of Hyperactive.

Ballsy considering some names you had to eschew for him there. You could come out smelling like a rose though.

 

[KellysHeroes]

still think when Dillard gets his shot he'll explode....

 

[FantasyTrader]

still think when Dillard gets his shot he'll explode....

I've heard ZERO of Dillard. What's up with him? Just sqeezed out right now? I'm concerned about his size, but I'd be lying if I said I saw much of the kid in college.

 

[dmac37]

Thomas vs Dillard

What are the early reports out of Jax. on these 2, is Thomas showing more than Dillard?

I think Holt may be about ready to give way to one of these 2 before the season is done. If Holt is out of the picture this year or next, who takes his place and who plays the slot between- Thomas and Dillard?

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Mike Thomas is (and has been all season) rostered in every dynasty league I'm in (twice by me).

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Mike Thomas was a 2nd/3rd round rookie pick in my dynasty leagues. He isn't on the waiver wire in any of em. Same with Dillard.

Preseason everybody was going back and forth between Dillard and Thomas...looking like the scales have tipped in Mikey's direction early.

Same here..not available in any of my leagues but thanks to EBF (who is the original pimp of Mike Thomas), I drafted him in 6 of my 8 dynasty leagues.

I remember getting a lot of crap on a thread here when I drafted him in the 2nd round of Hyperactive.

Ballsy considering some names you had to eschew for him there. You could come out smelling like a rose though.

Yeah, he was a big target of mine. Like how he plays....angry.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

still think when Dillard gets his shot he'll explode....

I've heard ZERO of Dillard. What's up with him? Just sqeezed out right now? I'm concerned about his size, but I'd be lying if I said I saw much of the kid in college.

thomas turns into a RB after the catch, and the Jags are getting him the ball in many different ways.

Bloom and I have been going round and round about these two since seeing them in January at the Shrine Game. I prefer Thomas, he prefers Dillard.

What's also impressive about Thomas is that he went from the Shrine to the Senior Bowl - and still looked great, against better competition. We've seen other players attempt to do that before (Paul Williams). Williams looked dominant in Houston, but once in Mobile he looked below average.

 

[FantasyTrader]

still think when Dillard gets his shot he'll explode....

I've heard ZERO of Dillard. What's up with him? Just sqeezed out right now? I'm concerned about his size, but I'd be lying if I said I saw much of the kid in college.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Thomas vs Dillard

What are the early reports out of Jax. on these 2, is Thomas showing more than Dillard?

I think Holt may be about ready to give way to one of these 2 before the season is done. If Holt is out of the picture this year or next, who takes his place and who plays the slot between- Thomas and Dillard?

Mike Thomas is becoming more involved in the offense by the week. Not only is he being used on short passing routes/WR screens, but he's been getting his number called on numerous end-arounds. He wasn't activated to start the year because he missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury. He's healthy now and is being used more frequently. Also, he provides more value due to his returning ability.Dillard has caught one pass and has not played often this year.

 

[aerolaw]

Thomas vs Dillard

What are the early reports out of Jax. on these 2, is Thomas showing more than Dillard?

I think Holt may be about ready to give way to one of these 2 before the season is done. If Holt is out of the picture this year or next, who takes his place and who plays the slot between- Thomas and Dillard?

Mike Thomas is becoming more involved in the offense by the week. Not only is he being used on short passing routes/WR screens, but he's been getting his number called on numerous end-arounds. He wasn't activated to start the year because he missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury. He's healthy now and is being used more frequently. Also, he provides more value due to his returning ability.Dillard has caught one pass and has not played often this year.

is Thomas the full time KR/PR now?

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Thomas vs Dillard

What are the early reports out of Jax. on these 2, is Thomas showing more than Dillard?

I think Holt may be about ready to give way to one of these 2 before the season is done. If Holt is out of the picture this year or next, who takes his place and who plays the slot between- Thomas and Dillard?

Mike Thomas is becoming more involved in the offense by the week. Not only is he being used on short passing routes/WR screens, but he's been getting his number called on numerous end-arounds. He wasn't activated to start the year because he missed most of training camp with a hamstring injury. He's healthy now and is being used more frequently. Also, he provides more value due to his returning ability.Dillard has caught one pass and has not played often this year.

is Thomas the full time KR/PR now?

It appears that way. He's the primary PR. The Jaguars have typically used Brian Witherspoon on KR's, but he's nicked-up. However, I don't see how Mike Thomas doesn't keep this role. He's looked great.

 

[dmac37]

So "IF" Holt was out of the picture.....

Thomas= slot?

Dillard= WR2?

MSW= WR1

I thought I heard Thomas would be an ideal slot receiver

 

[Team Legacy]

I concur. Thomas is not available anywhere. Sig and Cec at Draftguys had me salivating at both Thomas and Dillard and when they both went to the Jags, I was a little bummed, but in hindsight, Mike Walker can't seem to stay healthy and Holt is over the hill. I think we'll see much more of these guys in year 2. Hold if you can.

 

[cstu]

Thomas vs DillardWhat are the early reports out of Jax. on these 2, is Thomas showing more than Dillard?I think Holt may be about ready to give way to one of these 2 before the season is done. If Holt is out of the picture this year or next, who takes his place and who plays the slot between- Thomas and Dillard?

My thought from the time they were drafted is that Dillard would be the #2 with Thomas in the slot because of their abilities. At this point Thomas looks more ready so it's possible that he ends up the #2 if Dillard doesn't develop. Little has changed long-term though since Dillard will still have to prove himself next year.

 

[FantasyTrader]

I concur. Thomas is not available anywhere. Sig and Cec at Draftguys had me salivating at both Thomas and Dillard and when they both went to the Jags, I was a little bummed, but in hindsight, Mike Walker can't seem to stay healthy and Holt is over the hill. I think we'll see much more of these guys in year 2. Hold if you can.

No. He's available in plenty of dynasty leagues. Granted - chances are slim in 12-14 teamers.

 

[trader jake]

The Jags has Thomas in the slot during 3 WR sets last week. He looked tough but he doesn't look like much of a deep threat.

 

[SSOG]

still think when Dillard gets his shot he'll explode....

That has to be a positive for Thomas, if his primary competition for the WR2 slot going forward is prone to spontaneous combustion.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I watched / recapped / broke down the JAX/TEN game, and Thomas was one name that caught my eye.

A sampling of all the content we have here:

WR Mike Thomas, JAX - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Rookie wide receiver Mike Thomas was featured as the punt and kick returner in Week 4 for Jacksonville, but he was also in the mix as a receiver on offense. The quick and young wideout grabbed all five of his targets short over the middle, helping David Garrard to keep the offense moving. Torry Holt did not do much in Week 4, but Thomas was just one of several WRs vying for the third wideout spot for the Jaguars (along with Jarrett Dillard and Ernest Wilford). Keep an eye on his targets or stash him now in a very deep league.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

I watched / recapped / broke down the JAX/TEN game, and Thomas was one name that caught my eye.

A sampling of all the content we have here:

WR Mike Thomas, JAX - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - Rookie wide receiver Mike Thomas was featured as the punt and kick returner in Week 4 for Jacksonville, but he was also in the mix as a receiver on offense. The quick and young wideout grabbed all five of his targets short over the middle, helping David Garrard to keep the offense moving. Torry Holt did not do much in Week 4, but Thomas was just one of several WRs vying for the third wideout spot for the Jaguars (along with Jarrett Dillard and Ernest Wilford). Keep an eye on his targets or stash him now in a very deep league.

His involvement in the running game has me excited. The Jaguars are looking for different ways to get him the ball. IMO, that's a pretty good indicator that they view him as a play-maker and will look to get him more involved in the offense.

 

[FantasyTrader]

That's a good point. They've ran him on several reverses and he's looked very good.

 

[MDPapi]

Thanks for the tip. This may sound crazy, but I just dumped Donnie Avery for Thomas. My league awards points for returns and rushing yardage for WRs, so Thomas did very well last week. And as a sixth wideout, why not? The newspaper in Jacksonville had a number of references to how much of a difference his touches made in the Tennessee game. Hope that means the coaches will use him more.

 

[hostile]

Mike Thomas was a 2nd/3rd round rookie pick in my dynasty leagues. He isn't on the waiver wire in any of em. Same with Dillard.Preseason everybody was going back and forth between Dillard and Thomas...looking like the scales have tipped in Mikey's direction early.

Same here. Both were snapped up in all 3 of my dynasties, somewhere in the last 2nd early 3rd.Either of them could emerge. What I would like to see, if it pans out, is MSW and Dillard on the outside, with Thomas in the slot.Iirc, Dillard is listed as Holt's backup currently.

 

[FantasyTrader]

Mike Thomas was a 2nd/3rd round rookie pick in my dynasty leagues. He isn't on the waiver wire in any of em. Same with Dillard.Preseason everybody was going back and forth between Dillard and Thomas...looking like the scales have tipped in Mikey's direction early.

Same here. Both were snapped up in all 3 of my dynasties, somewhere in the last 2nd early 3rd.Either of them could emerge. What I would like to see, if it pans out, is MSW and Dillard on the outside, with Thomas in the slot.Iirc, Dillard is listed as Holt's backup currently.

Jacksonville JaguarsCurrent Depth Chart: (updated 10/8/09)QB-David Garrard, Luke McCownRB-Maurice Jones-Drew, Rashad Jennings (rc)FB-Greg Jones, Montell OwensWR1-Torry Holt, Jarrett DillardWR2-Mike Sims-Walker, Mike Thomas (rc), Tiquan Underwood (rc)TE-Marcedes Lewis, Ernest Wilford, Zach Miller (rc)K-Josh ScobeeNotes: Placed the following players on IR-Troy Williamson (wr)Practice squad-Richard Bartel (qb), Brock Bolen (rc-fb), Nate Hughes (wr), Zach Potter (rc-te)