Devin Thomas

The No. 2 receiver taken in the 2008 draft, Thomas will try to make the team as a reserve wideout.

The second receiver taken in the 2008 draft, Thomas hasn’t done a whole lot in his NFL career, to date. That could change this season. At 6-2, 215, and with 4.4 speed, Thomas has all the tools to be No. 1 receiver and showed glimpses of his potential at times last year — against the Saints in Week 13 he caught seven balls for 100 yards and two scores before battling an ankle injury down the stretch. Moreover he’s slated to start opposite Santana Moss this year, and Moss is at the stage of his career where he could be supplanted as the team’s top target should Thomas — or someone else — emerge. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the Redskins have a legitimate NFL quarterback in Donovan McNabb under center, and one of the league’s top offensive minds in head coach Mike Shanahan.

Thomas was a huge disappointment in 2008. The second round draft pick recorded 15 catches for 120 yards. He has the size and speed to be successful in the NFL but there are questions around his maturity. He struggled with running routes and following plays during his rookie year. He will compete with the average Antwaan Randle El and fellow second round pick Malcolm Kelly for a starting spot.

Thomas is a rookie receiver with excellent size to balance out the diminutive Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El, Thomas and Malcolm Kelly will battle for the third wide receiver job, but keep in mind Moss is highly injury prone, and Randle El is probably more suited to the slot anyway. The Redskins could also be more of a pass-friendly offense under new coach Jim Zorn.