What It Means:

Thomas made 27 starts for the Buckeyes, parlaying 113 career catches into 1,602 yards (14.2 yards per grab) and 18 touchdowns. Thomas has superb hands, dropping just 5-of-157 targets over the last two seasons. His Combine was mediocre for such a highly-touted prospect, running 4.57 with a 35-inch vertical. Dangerous after the catch with an explosive second gear on tape, Thomas has drawn Michael Crabtree comparisons as an efficient playmaker with elite ball skills.

In New Orleans, Thomas will compete for targets with Willie Snead and Brandon Coleman behind Brandin Cooks and Coby Fleener. This pick shouldn't affect Cooks' value, but it may make Snead a little cheaper than he should be in 2016 drafts.