Can A.T. Perry fill Michael Thomas’ role

The former 6th round pick has big shoes to fill.

The New Orleans Saints parted ways with veteran wide receiver Michael Thomas during the 2024 off-season. Thomas, who has been a member of the team since being drafted in 2016, has been to three pro bowls, is a two-time All-Pro, was the 2019 Offensive Player of the Year, and set the NFL record for most receptions in one season.

The Saints traded up in the 2023 draft to select Wake Forest wide receiver A.T. Perry. Perry was a reception machine in college, racking up 152 catches during his final two seasons, averaging just under 6 catches a game. Coming out of college, scouts expressed concerns over Perry’s ability to use his big frame to make tough catches claiming he was more of a deep threat with his 4.47 40-yard dash rather than a reliable big target. Along with these concerns, the 6’3 receiver weighed 198 pounds at the NFL combine—light for a player his size.

Michael Thomas’ impact on the field goes further than just his size. Thomas was known for his smooth route running, reliability, and sure hands. Perry isn’t as polished as a route runner as Thomas is but is faster and taller. During the 2023 season, Perry proved that he could make catches in traffic when he scored four touchdowns on 12 receptions with a majority of the scores being contested.

The Saints have talent in the receiver room with the blossom of the two speedsters Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. New Orleans also drafted Bub Means in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft as they try to add receivers that can attack the middle of the field in the passing game. That’s where the loss of Thomas hurts them the most. Thomas’ crisp route running allowed him to create separation in the short and intermediate sides of the field, which the Saints lacked in 2023.

Perry didn’t get his opportunity to get on the field during his rookie campaign until November when Thomas went down for the season with an injury. Perry finished the season with 12 receptions for 246 yards and 4 touchdowns—averaging 20.5 yards a reception. Perry has shown to be very disciplined and smart against zone finding the soft spots in coverage. Against man coverage, he lacked separation but utilized his big frame and made the proper adjustment to make heavily contested catches. Perry also got to show his 4.47 speed against the Carolina Panthers when he burned past safety Vonn Bell and cornerback Donte Jackson, who ran a 4.32 40-yard dash, for a 44-yard gain.

With a Michael Thomas-sized gap in the Saints’ offense, A.T. Perry will have the opportunity to step up and try to fulfill the role of the former All-Pro. Perry showed potential during his rookie year, including a two-touchdown game against the division rivals Atlanta Falcons. Still, the former sixth-round pick is facing high expectations and is expected to step up if he were to earn a significant role in the Saints’ offense.

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