RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~220 Overall
Current ADP: ~250
ANALYSIS: This pick is probably more “gut call” than verifiable evidence. The 32-year-old is coming off his worst season as a professional and also tore his Achilles tendon in the second to last game of the season – ironically the same injury suffered by former teammate Emmanuel Sanders. While Sanders has wowed observers with his recovery, Demaryius Thomas has largely flown under the radar. However, he’s back at practice and on track for Week 1, which means we need to start thinking about his role with the Patriots.
With Rob Gronkowski gone, Tom Brady needs a new target in the red zone. Newly reinstated Josh Gordon could fill that void, but he’s also battled a number of issues over the years and is no lock to be on the field for the whole season. Thomas is a big body (6’3” 225) and had five straight 1,000-yard seasons between 2012 and 2016. Even in a down 2017, he had 949 yards and five TDs while catching passes from Trevor Siemian and Brock Osweiler on a bad Broncos team. It’s entirely possible that we’re making too much of him being “done,” and he could carve out a valuable role as a red zone threat for Brady on a high-powered Patriots offense. It’s worth a spot on the end of your bench to find out.
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