Thomas caught four passes for 67 yards on six targets in Thursday's preseason opener against the Patriots.

EDGE Analysis

Already the subject of seemingly-endless training camp hype, Thomas didn't disappoint in his professional debut, making two difficult catches down the right sideline for long gains. He did most of his damage during the second quarter and actually played into the third quarter, as Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Brandon Coleman were the top three receivers with the first-team offense, according to the New Orleans Advocate. While Cooks and Snead are assured of key roles, Coleman is clearly in danger of losing the No. 3 job to the impressive second-round rookie. It won't be surprising if Thomas gets some work with Drew Brees and the other starters in the next couple preseason games.

Thomas has "easily been the best player in camp so far," according to the New Orleans Advocate.

EDGE Analysis

Certainly some of the early praise surrounding Thomas can be chalked up as "coach speak," but the rookie out of Ohio State has made several highlight-reel plays during the first few days of training camp. At 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, Thomas is a physical receiver with the ability to pluck balls at their highest point, making him a dangerous red-zone weapon. As of now, Thomas should probably be penciled in as the Saints' No. 3 wide receiver -- behind starters Brandin Coleman and Willie Snead -- but he could push for an even larger role if he continues to excel during training camp.

Thomas saw plenty of first-team snaps during Thursday's OTA, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas' promotion to first-team work came due to teammate Brandin Cooks missing practice for an undisclosed reason. While it's still early in this season's preparations, it's interesting to note that Thomas is already pushing Brandon Coleman and Willie Snead for snaps. At the very least, the rookie second-rounder should have plenty of chances to establish a role in the Saints' open offense, particularly if he impresses from his chances this summer.

According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Thomas is in line to receive immediate playing time this season, but how much he plays will depend on his growth during the offseason.

EDGE Analysis

After releasing Marques Colston this offseason, the Saints invested a second-round draft pick in the 6-foot-3, 212-pound Thomas. While rookie wide receivers typically take some time to adapt to the NFL game, the Saints' receiver depth chart is wide open, and the former Ohio State Buckeye should immediately see action. Currently the Saints' fourth wide out, Thomas could earn significant playing time in one of the league's pass-happiest offenses if he can beat out either Willie Snead or Brandon Coleman for snaps.

The Saints selected Thomas in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, 47th overall.

EDGE Analysis

Thomas was widely expected to go as many as 25 picks earlier than this, so the Saints likely secured a strong value by drafting him this late. While he might not have the speed or quickness to prove a big-play threat at the pro level, Thomas is a big target (6-foot-3, 212 pounds) with strong fundamentals and sufficient polish to contribute early on in his career. His arrival at the very least is a problem for Brandon Coleman, and Thomas might be able to put pressure on Willie Snead for a starting role as time passes.