Mike Thomas

Cut by the Lions and then the Cardinals in August of 2013.

Thomas had nothing short of an overwhelmingly disappointing season for the Jags in 2011 after an 820-yard 2010 campaign raised expectations for the former Wildcat entering his third NFL season. Some of Thomas' declining performance can certainly be attributed to the change in quarterback, but Thomas was often accused of sloppy route running to go along with a case of the drops last year. There have been rumblings that Thomas' job is in jeopardy heading into 2012, but it seems unlikely that the team would part ways with the receiver who looked poised for a breakout 2011 season. Assuming Thomas does stick around, the addition of Justin Blackmon and Laurent Robinson should allow Thomas to fill a more natural role in the slot and alleviate the pressure of being forced into a No. 1 or No. 2 job.

Whether because Mike Sims-Walker struggled or because the Jaguars are such a run-heavy team (31st in pass attempts per game), the diminutive Thomas became the team's de facto No. 1 target last year, with 101 looks and 66 receptions. At 5-7, 195, Thomas isn't a prototypical top wideout. He's got excellent speed, runs good routes and is dangerous in the open field. But it's hard to see him scoring more than a handful of touchdowns, especially with 6-6 tight end Marcedes Lewis around to get the bulk of the red-zone looks. Still, Thomas was efficient (8.1 YPT) in a lackluster passing game and should crack 100 targets again in 2011.

Thomas could be the Jags' breakout star of 2010, especially if he flashes the talent that he showed in the last few games of 2009. He will step in for Torry Holt outside as a starter, but his true impact could come from the slot, where his exceptional speed and diminutive size would be at a great advantage. With defensive backs keying on fellow wideout Mike Sims-Walker, Thomas could see plenty of targets in 2010.

Thomas should be the Jags' No. 3 wideout heading into 2009, and could move into the No. 2 spot by season's end. Though small by receiver standards, Thomas has speed to stretch the field.