2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 6 edition

21. player. 60. Defensive-minded Mike Zimmer went heavy on the D during the early rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft. With a dearth of playmakers and the need for a better offensive line, look for him to bolster the offense in the 2016 draft. <p>Is Teddy Bridgewater good, or is he the team’s latest luke-warm game-manager? With the right running mate, could they be the NFC North’s version of Derek Carr and Amari Cooper? Zimmer hopes so with his selection of wideout Michael Thomas from Ohio State.</p> <p>Urban Meyer quarterbacks who’ve entered the league have had tempered success – Alex Smith and Tim Tebow, meh – but his receivers have fared quite well. From superstars like Percy Harvin and Aaron Hernandez, to middle-road guys like Andre Caldwell, Riley Cooper and Louis Murphy, Meyer’s wideouts have been able to carve out nice pro careers.</p> <p>In Thomas, the Vikings get a big wideout who comes from an impressive pedigree (Keyshawn Johnson is his uncle). Thomas led the Buckeyes in receptions (54) during their 2014-15 championship campaign, with 16 more than the closest teammate. He was also second in yards (799) and touchdowns (nine) – the team’s leader was second-round draft pick, speedster Devin Smith.</p> <p>Thomas is 6’3″ and 210 pounds. He has a nose for the ball, and with his size can be a load off the line. This season he currently leads Ohio State in a significant receiving categories – receptions, receiving touchdowns and yards. Be it J.T. Barrett or Cardale Jones, he’s shown the ability to synch up with the man under center and make the quarterback look good. Zimmer will look for him to do the same with the emerging Bridgewater.</p>. WR. Ohio State. Michael Thomas