If the New Orleans Saints' first preseason game was any indication, Michael Thomas is making the transition from Ohio State star to NFL impact player just fine.
Thomas led the Saints with 4 catches for 67 yards in a losing effort to the New England Patriots at Gilette Stadium, turning in a pair of spectacular receptions on the evening.
The Buckeye standout, selected in the second round by New Orleans, first showed up on the stat sheet with nine yard reception in the first quarter. Four plays later, he turned heads with a nifty snag on the sideline, just getting two feet in for a 25-yard completion from quarterback Garrett Grayson.
Here's another look at the precision footwork, which served him well at Ohio State:
Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who challenged the catch, could only marvel at Thomas' greatness as the haul was upheld.
Midway through the second quarter, Thomas struck again, diving for a catch on another Grayson toss for 28 yards on 3rd-and-6.
That Thomas would show so well in his preseason debut wasn't a surprise to his teammates. Grayson told The New Orleans Advocate that the rookie has been turning heads all camp.
“That kid is an absolute stud,” Grayson said. “I think we got a steal in that second round when we drafted. We're beyond happy – in the QB room we talk about it all of the time, we're beyond happy to have him.”
