The Facts: When the Broncos' OTAs started in April, Thomas was there, with a smaller frame and a year of experience in coach Gary Kubiak's system. At the advice of Shannon Sharpe, the former Broncos tight end who has been a confidant of Thomas, the wideout altered his diet and shed 6 pounds to improve his quickness and durability. Four more and he'll be at his goal of 222 pounds, down from about 232 last season. "I wanted to come back a little lighter so I can get through the season," he said. "Hopefully it'll help with the injuries and everything, be quick on my feet, be in better shape. I think that'll help my game."
Diehards Line:
Thomas felt he had a rough season last year. There was a neck injury he sustained on Oct. 4 that appeared to hinder his play in the following weeks. There were the dropped passes -- all nine of them. And there was that overtime victory against New England on Nov. 29, when Thomas caught only one of 13 balls thrown to him. The highs were scattered in between as he compiled 105 catches and 1,304 receiving yards -- both seventh among receivers -- but they were masked by the struggles. Of course, fantasy owners are all about the numbers. And despite his struggles and the team's QB issues (which could continue this year), Thomas only fell six catches short of his career best 111-catch 2014. The fact he's determined to come back stronger than before is encouraging.