Devin Thomas Is at Redskins Park, Knows What He Needs to Do in Year 2

On Wednesday, I wrote that Redskins wide receiver Devin Thomas should probably make an effort to show up for voluntary workouts since his rookie season was, to say the least, underwhelming.

Well, thanks to a heads-up from FanHouse commenter Adam -- in addition to others -- it looks like Thomas has made his way to Redskins Park. And the only reason he missed the first few days of training was because he was at Michigan St. helping some of his former college teammates prepare for their pro day.

Not only that, Thomas, who scared off some scouts in the weeks leading up to last year's draft because of his questionable work ethic, says he's willing to put in the time to rebound from a forgettable 2008 season. Via the Washington Post's Jason La Canfora:

But the former Michigan State standout's work ethic was questioned at times last season, and his failure to show up for the start of offseason workouts last week raised another red flag.

Thomas had been working out at Redskins Park prior to the official start of offseason workouts, according to team officials, and notified the team he would miss the start last week.

More importantly, Thomas says he understands what's expected of him heading into Year 2:

"It wasn't a [rookie] year I wanted, obviously, let alone what the whole team wanted," Thomas said. "But it's time for me to step up and do what I've got to do. So I'm working hard, getting ready for this offseason. Whether they would have brought some wide receivers in or not, I still have to bust my tail. It's nothing different."

As I mentioned a few days ago, it's way too early to proclaim Thomas a bust because it generally takes two or three seasons for wide receivers to make the transition to the NFL. And given Thomas' comments above, maybe 2009 will be the year everything falls into place.

Oh, and if he goes missing in early April, he'll have a legit reason: the Spartans will be in playing in the Final Four in Detroit. By the way, the Motor City is the home of Jerome Bettis. You know, just in case you haven't been reminded of that fun fact in 15 minutes.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

3-29-2009 @ 12:11PM

bears0492 said...

He's going to be such a beast next year. He has everything you look for in a receiver except consistency. Devin is a future Pro Bowler.

Malcolm Kelly is going to be a bust, though. We should have never picked him.

3-29-2009 @ 3:25PM

Sexy A-- said...

u dont even know malcolm kelly is gonna be a bust. i went to the ravens/redskins game last year and the only player i saw beating his man off the line during the game was KELLY. Go watch a live game first before u critize players. U want to dawg a player dawg Jason Candle cause he is as weak as a candle. Id rather trade JC and our First rounder to get Jay Cutler a PROVEN QB who can win games with his arm and smarts. Jason was a bum in Auburn and a bum here. Kelly is the truth and so is thomas. I have both there jerseys. Campbell is a true bust just like alex smith who came out that year with him. Sorry guy its not our wide recievers. its the QB and i dont care about him having a new off. every year for 7 years cause any other QB would have excelled by the mid-season. Campbell=Bum Kelly and thomas= pro bowlers when we get a new QB.

3-29-2009 @ 3:36PM

"Go watch a live game first before you critize players"

And who made you the expert on my life? I've gone to a few Redskins games. Nice try.

I do agree with you that JC needs to step up. I don't agree that he's a bust. He's never been in one offense for more than a year, and he's still young with a lot of potential.

3-29-2009 @ 4:05PM

Adam said...

Thanks for updating, Ryan.

I don't think Devin Thomas has any other option than to step up, work hard and have a good year. Otherwise, he'll ride the bench or will be deactivated like he was last year. So far, from what I've seen, he's doing and saying the right things, so I have every reason to believe Thomas is going to be a great receiver next year, and for years to come.

Malcolm Kelly will probably have a few good games, but I don't see him playing an entire season. He's a great athlete, but I don't think his knees will hold up. I'd love to be proven wrong, though.

3-29-2009 @ 4:56PM

Sexy Ass Nigga said...

A few games is not enough. Im telling u that the new offense excuse is getting old for me now. He either can play or he cant. To be honest with u, JC stares down santana every freaking game and his second option is always cooley. Why u think defense can pick apart our passing game. He needs to learn to look off of recievers if he wants to excel in ANY OFFENSE. I always say players play better during their final year of the contract. Look at Ladell betts. Ran Hard during the '06 season and for what, a new contract. The boy can only run up the middle, no counters, no tosses, nothing to the outside. But yet our coaches still wanna run him outside. He is an inside back. But back to the whole thing about players playing hard in there final year of the contract. I hope JC does good cause he has an arm but since we drafted him the only thing i got wrong with him is the bum cant look off of recievers.

3-29-2009 @ 7:27PM

Yeah, but look at it from another perspective. All JC has is Santana Moss and Cooley. I don't like criticizing Randle El, since he's a good guy to have on the team, but he isn't a playmaker. He's a 3rd receiver/slot receiver playing 2nd, and James Thrash is pretty much just a warm body to fill in, and nothing more.

So looking at it that way, there were only two reliable guys for JC. Now with Thomas, Kelly, and we can't forget Fred Davis, everyone will be better as long as the 08 draftees come through. Fewer double teams on Moss, ARE can play where he belongs, Cooley will continue being great, and the three new guys are capable on their own.

3-29-2009 @ 7:43PM

I do agree with u Adam. That Randle-el is a good player but as a slot reciever. I guess if he did have a legit #2 maybe he wouldnt stare down #89 & #47. Anyhow im a skins fan and im tired that we got talent and cant produce. I think its time we get rid of Vinny Cerato with his no draft and free agency experince. Bring back Bobby Bethard or Charlie Casserly. Who's with me?