Name: Pierre Thomas
Team: New Orleans Saints
Position: Running Back
Years Pro: 6
Draft stock: (Dropping) Thomas is in the middle of a fierce running back competition in New Orleans. On the one hand, Sean Payton‘s return excites fantasy football owners as Thomas scored six touchdowns in 2011 and nearly had 1,000 yards from scrimmage. However, the Saints are also talking about giving Mark Ingram a bigger role, which isn’t good news for the pass-catching Thomas.
2012 fantasy impact: A total odd man out, Thomas was relegated to a smaller gig in 2012 that saw him score just one rushing touchdown. As usual, Thomas was a factor in the passing game with 354 receiving yards, which is the second-highest such mark of his career.
Best-case scenario: Ingram and Darren Sproles fail to step up in 2013, which leaves Thomas as the lone Saints’ running back worth anything. Payton’s return means more touchdowns for the Saints and Thomas capitalizes.
Worst-case scenario: The rumors of Ingram getting a larger role ring true as Thomas finds himself on the trade block early in the season and is no longer of use for the Saints.
Where you should draft him: There are just too many mouths to feed in New Orleans, so I’m not very keen on drafting Thomas before the 13th round comes about. Ingram is a much more enticing fantasy option considering his goal-line prowess and good health.
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
