Matt Mosley Predicts a Break Out Year for Thomas

If the ARE skit on NFLN is to be believed (great future broadcaster by the way) but if I didn't know their draft status and reports I would say that Marko Mitchell was the best out of our 3 young WR's in the skit. He was the only one that was able to catch every ball and while I know it's only a practice game with Thomas, it still seemed like his hands were a little suspect on some throws but perfect on the other ones.

Marko Mitchell - 6/6
Devin Thomas - 4/6
Keith Eloi - 2/6

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MM does have some soft hands but that's just one piece of the puzzle.

If the ARE skit on NFLN is to be believed (great future broadcaster by the way) but if I didn't know their draft status and reports I would say that Marko Mitchell was the best out of our 3 young WR's in the skit. He was the only one that was able to catch every ball and while I know it's only a practice game with Thomas, it still seemed like his hands were a little suspect on some throws but perfect on the other ones.

Marko Mitchell - 6/6
Devin Thomas - 4/6
Keith Eloi - 2/6

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Marko looks like a stud. 6'4" 218 LBS and runs a 4.49 40. Not too shabby. WR is a position where you can find diamonds in the rough. Coach him up!

Here are his combine stats for anyone interested: NFL Events: Combine Player Profiles - Marko Mitchell (http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/marko-mitchell?id=79615)

BTW, ARE would have dropped all six;)

Analysis
Positives: Rare height and arm length for the position. Good straight-line speed to challenge deep. Can track the ball over either shoulder and shows good body control and field awareness to keep his feet in bounds. Soft hands to pluck the ball out of the air and can make the reception outside of his frame. Alert receiver who will work his way back when the quarterback is under pressure. Good leaping ability. Shows a bit of vision and elusiveness as a runner after the catch and has the long strides to pull away from smaller defenders. Uses his size and length to effectively run block against small corners.



Negatives: Much of his production is due to this offense. Good, not great, straight-line speed. Will be caught from behind by NFL corners. Long-strider who has to build up to it. Lacks the short burst quickness to consistently gain separation against elite cover corners. Sinewy frame that may not withstand NFL punishment. Ball security may be an issue considering his lack of upper body strength. Isn't the dominant red-zone target his size indicates, due to marginal toughness and physicality in going up for the ball in traffic. Allows too many passes to get into his pads, resulting in some drops.



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I saw that nfl network piece too. Didn't Thomas look very nonchalant? I know it's just a simple drill in ota's though. He also kinda cheated in his stance, he didn't line up fully forward.

Mitchell not only caught all of the throws, he swiveled around very nicely. Great sign for a big reciever that lacks quickness to break open in the short field. If he can turn around out of his routes quickly like that, he can make plays in traffic.

Definitely a thin, wirey guy. I hope he can make it on teams & get some time to develop.

Sounds like MM is bound to be a training camp hero this summer. Wonder if he can overtake Mason?

Sounds like MM is bound to be a training camp hero this summer. Wonder if he can overtake Mason?

I think if he makes the practice squad, people will be projecting a Pro Bowl start this time next year (see: Anthony Mix)

Sounds like MM is bound to be a training camp hero this summer. Wonder if he can overtake Mason?

No chance. Mason is the greatest RB in NFL history.

No chance. Mason is the greatest RB in NFL history.

Dude it's not fair. We got Mason, Brennan, and now Mitchell. Thats like having Walter Payton, Dan Marino, and Jerry Rice all playing on the same team in their prime. If we still had Mix we could throw in Lynn Stallworth.

I don't see the Skins keeping ARE at his salary structure for being a punt returner. Looking at the Salary Cap Summary on this site I don't think the Skins can let go of ARE until 2012 due to his large release fees, but then again I did not think they would have let go of Jansen for this reason either.

If ARE can't contribute as a #3 WR I really think his pay would justify getting cut.

The salary cap chart here assumes the skins choose to pick up an option and extend ARE beyond the 2009 season. They won't. Unless he somehow transforms himself into a #1 receiver this season, the skins will not pick up his option and he will be an unrestricted free agent in 2010 (Same for Andre Carter).