Michael Thomas was the sixth wide receiver selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, but the No. 47 overall pick is in the midst of a potentially historic first-year campaign.
The Saints target leads all NFL rookies in receptions (47), receiving yards (573) and touchdown catches (5). In fact, he has nine more catches than the four wideouts (Corey Coleman, Josh Doctson, Will Fuller and Laquon Treadwell) selected in the first round of 2016 draft combined heading into Thursday.
Thomas is on pace for a rookie season of at least 90 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches. Per NFL Research, only one player has reached those gaudy totals in his first year in the league: Odell Beckham.
Beckham's 91-1, 305-12 line back in 2014 is even more ridiculous considering he only played in 12 games.
Thomas' projected 94-1, 146-10 season totals would put him in elite company in New Orleans. Former Saints wideout and current free agent Marques Colston is the only player in franchise history to rack up more than 1,000 yards through the air in his inaugural NFL season. Thomas would also break New Orleans' rookie records for most receiving yards and touchdowns.
If Thomas continues to make more grabs like the insane one he had against the 49ers on Sunday, he'll cement his place among the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history.
