ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

At last count, you guys had left more than 70 questions in the "comments" section for Redskins wide receiver Devin Thomas. Well, I just spent 40 minutes on the phone with Thomas before Redskins P.R. chief Zack Bolno rescued the second-year player.

Thomas

During that time, we covered several different topics, including his disappointing rookie season, his relationship with Jason Campbell and his apprenticeship under Santana Moss. I also made the discovery that Thomas likes to take long drives (hour and a half) by himself to watch sunsets. But more on that later. Consider this the first entry in what could end up being a seven-part Devin Thomas miniseries. But we begin with some reader questions. You guys are an astute bunch -- especially you ubersamoyed, a man (dog?) who accounts for at least 45 percent of my blog traffic. And, yes, you won my Lake Highlands players in the pros contest.

Now, let's get to your questions for Thomas:

The first word goes to stanleje21: What are your expectations for this season? Are you comfortable enough with telling us what you think would be a successful second year? Catches, yards, TDs, etc.

Skins WR Devin Thomas: My main focus is to have a huge impact. Whether that's starting as the No. 2 [receiver] or coming in and having high production as the No. 3. However the rotation ends up, I'll be fine. I'm not too picky when it comes to that stuff I just want a chance to compete and make a serious impact.

Mosley follow-up since stanleje21 wasn't on the phone: What kept that from happening during your rookie season?

DT: There were multiple things. The year went by and I wasn't finding a way to get the ball consistently. There were some play-action passes for me in the game plan, but every time we dialed my number, it seemed like Jason [Campbell] got sacked. There were some other [draftees] who came in with me who had things sort of manipulated for them to have immediate success. We had a first-year coach and a new offense, so we spent some time feeling everything out. We were like the 28th-ranked offense in the league. I don't think that's going to be the case this year.

NadNooc wants to know what Thomas has done to develop his game: After a lackluster rookie season, what have you done to better prepare yourself for this season and become the impact player that the Redskins drafted you for?

Editorial note from Mosley: I may have used a different word than "lackluster" while posing the question to Thomas.

DT: I've had a chance to do NFL workouts for an entire offseason. I did 40s and cone drills to get ready for the combine, but now I'm a lot more prepared for what happens during practice. I can stay out there longer, because I'm smarter about how I prepare. I'm a speed guy, so I was basically trying to fly around people all the time in practice. Santana [Moss] has helped me learn how to balance my speed a lot better. He also talked to me about setting up defensive backs. I can be looking inside with my eyes and suddenly explode outside. In college, you could sort of run past everyone. It's different here.

FLYERnumber1 wants to know what Thomas thinks about the pundits ranking the Skins last in a lot of places: Skins are getting berated by most pundits, with almost all of them placing you guys in the bottom half of the league. After finishing ..500 or better the last couple seasons in a real tough NFC East, why do you think you guys get no respect?

DT: We play in a really tough division and we went 8-8 last season, so you see where it's coming from. But in my eyes, I feel we're No. 1 in the division. That's how you have to approach things.

There's so much more from Thomas. I'll post a longer version Thursday -- if anyone's interested of course. Thanks for making us a part of your afternoon. You don't know how much it means to my family.