New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas has been one of the most productive wide receivers since coming into the NFL in 2016. He’s already racked up 196 catches－an NFL record through two seasons－for 2,382 yards. However, he hasn’t received as much recognition for all his efforts.

Still, “Can’t Guard Mike” is confident that it’s just a matter of time before he takes his place among the elite players at his position. He’s just focusing on consistently putting up the types of numbers he’s had through his historic two-year run.

“I feel like that will come,” said Thomas per Mike Triplett of ESPN. “When you look at the guys that are the top receivers in the league, they've all played multiple years. So it's about staying consistent. It's only my second year, so everyone wants to see what I'm gonna do next. And I feel like that's what makes it fun. That's what I live for, to be able to take that next step and then see what they say, and then take that next step.

“And then once the numbers line up at the end of the day, I feel like I'm gonna be right there with the best of them. And that's the only thing I can control.”

Related NewsArticle continues below
Saints rumors: Derek Carr’s injury forcing retirement raises eyebrows in NOLA
Saints rumors: Derek Carr’s injury forcing retirement raises eyebrows in NOLA
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts to a play on the sidelines against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Caesars Superdome.
Saints’ Derek Carr ghosting questions about surprise retirement
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) after a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at Caesars Superdome.
Saints rumors: Derek Carr ‘flirted’ with at least 2 other teams before retiring

It will obviously help Thomas a great deal that legendary Saints quarterback Drew Brees is still around for a year or two more. Brees is closing in on his own records, and having a talented wideout like Thomas will help him get there a lot more quickly.

As for Thomas, he’s on the right track in terms of knowing what he has to do. As long as he keeps producing at the tremendous rate he’s been doing, people will have almost no choice but to put him in the conversation as one of the best in his position.