Welcome to the beginning of our 2023 season preview content!
Over the next few weeks, we will be looking at each player on the roster in-depth with backgrounds and how they currently project forward on the Minnesota Vikings roster.
What is the best-case scenario? What is the worst-case scenario? What should we expect from them during the preseason and beyond? We will break all of that down here.
As a staff, all of us at Vikings Wire ranked the entire 90-man roster 1-90 and will be releasing player profiles in reverse order.
Background
Name: Thayer Thomas
Rank: 86
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 197 lbs
Experience: Rookie
College: North Carolina State
Stats (At North Carolina State): 60 games, 215 receptions, 2,484 yards, 24 touchdowns, 70 punt returns, 681 yards, 1 touchdown
Votes:
Tyler Forness: 86
Kevin Fielder: 85
Judd Zulgad: 86
Saivion Mixson: 86
Average: 85.75
Best case scenario
The Vikings have some major question marks in terms of depth at the wide receiver position. After WR3, it’s all up in the air. Thomas is likely a slot only at the next level, but he understands how to get open in the underneath and intermediate areas.
Along with the question marks at wide receiver, the Vikings have uncertainty at punt returner. Thomas averaged 9.7 yards per return in college and took one back for a touchdown. Thomas could put himself in contention for that job.
Worst case scenario
Thomas’ size and likely slot only position gets him lost in the shuffle and he doesn’t have the opportunity to stand out. With the Vikings transitioning to more of a 12 personnel base, having three wide receivers on the field will be less common, which means less chances. How will his odd athletic profile translate onto the field?
Thayer Thomas is a WR prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 7.85 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 659 out of 3062 WR from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/IZXbwvzaZu #Vikings pic.twitter.com/miXj86tf8E
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 30, 2023
What to expect in 2023
There isn’t a whole lot to expect from Thomas this year. Special teams is where Thomas is going to be given the most opportunity to shine on the field, both in coverage and as a return man. Practice squad is a potential destination for Thomas with his return acumen, but he would need to show something.
Previous player profiles
90-Garett Maag
89-Jack Podlesny
88-Zach Ojile
87-NaJee Thompson
