Devin Thomas
WR, Michigan St. · 2008 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #34 (WAS)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: position. Details below.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #24 (#2 at his position), close to where he went (#34).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Michigan St.: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at 216 lbs: faster than 74% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 55 of ~64 possible regular-season games from 2008 through 2011 (~86%). Last NFL season: 2011.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 55 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 1 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 4 |
| Rushing | 6 att, 51 yds, 1 TD |
| Receiving | 43 rec, 482 yds, 3 TD |
| Defense | 14 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2011 |
The 2008 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2008 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 2", 216 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.41 s |
| Vertical | 28" |
| Broad jump | 126" |
| 3-cone | 7.15 s |
| Shuttle | 4.26 s |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #24 overall (#2 WR) |
Picked around him 2008 redraft
| 31 | Kenny Phillips | redraft #93 |
| 32 | Phillip Merling | redraft #140 |
| 33 | Donnie Avery | redraft #80 |
| 35 | Brandon Flowers | redraft #29 |
| 36 | Jordy Nelson | redraft #8 |
| 37 | Curtis Lofton | redraft #22 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.