Can We Find the Next Michael Thomas in the 2023 Rookie Class?

Corbin Young
January 17, 2024

Michael Thomas immediately earned target volume as a rookie with the Saints. In Thomas’ rookie season, the Saints had three receivers with over 100 targets, including Thomas (121), Brandin Cooks (117), and Willie Snead (104). As a rookie, Thomas ranked 21st in EP/G and third in FPOE/G with a 19% target share.

After Year 1, Thomas posted three consecutive seasons with 145 or more targets. Since 2010, a receiver has earned 145-plus targets in three straight seasons only 12 times. (Larry Fitzgerald landed on that list twice.) Thomas’ rookie season ranks 13th among rookie receivers with at least 100 targets, but there’s a 2023 rookie who garnered the most opportunities by all Year 1 players since 2010. Can this rookie become the next Thomas?

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here

Please subscribe For Full Access to all RotoViz content and tools!

What’s included in your subscription??

Exclusive Access to RotoViz Study Hall
- A treasure trove of our most insightful articles that will teach you the metrics that matter, time-tested winning strategies, the approaches that will give you an edge, and teach you how to be an effective fantasy manager.
Revolutionary Tools
- Including the NFL Stat Explorer, Weekly GLSP Projections, NCAA Prospect Box Score Scout, Combine Explorer, Range of Outcomes App, DFS Lineup Optimizer, Best Ball Suite,and many, many, more.
Groundbreaking Articles
- RotoViz is home of the original Zero-RB article and continues to push fantasy gamers forward as the go-to destination for evidence-based analysis and strategic advantages.
Weekly Projections
- Built using RotoViz’s unique GLSP approach.
Expert Rankings
And a whole lot more…

Corbin Young

This Second-Year Running Back Probably Isn’t the Next David Johnson, but His Rookie Year Comps Still Point to Serious Upside

Corbin Young March 31, 2025

David Johnson was the best running back in football for a season and a half. Few RBs possess Johnson’s size and athleticism combined with his receiving talent. But over the years a number of backs have been able to give us David-Johnson-lite production with a much smaller frame and fewer athletic gifts. It may seem like ages ago when Devin Singletary was last a fantasy-relevant…...

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here

Can This 2024 Rookie Running Back Become the Next Rachaad White?

Corbin Young March 18, 2025

We love it when running back prospects come into the NFL with a juicy receiving profile. That’s the case with Rachaad White, who garnered a ridiculous 22% receiving share in his final collegiate season. White played on a Buccaneers team with Leonard Fournette as the lead rusher and receiver, though the rookie ate into the veteran’s workload. Tom Brady played his final season during White’s…...

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here

Is This 2024 First-Round Rookie Wide Receiver the Next Sammy Watkins or Amari Cooper?

Corbin Young February 24, 2025

Corbin Young takes a close look at the rookie season for one of the top 2024 wide receivers who could be the next Amari Cooper, or the next Sammy Watkins. Which trajectory will this promising young receiver's career follow?