Wide receiver Devin Thomas is in prime position to reclaim his starting job on the Redskins' offense.
There's competition, though.
During OTAs and mini-camps in the offseason, Thomas welcomed it.
"There's competition every day," he said. "Coaches are evaluating you every day on film--everything you do, whether it's blocking in the run game or working hard in the pass game. You've just got to know and expect competition every day. No matter how you feel, you have to come out to practice and perform."
It's certainly the right approach for Thomas, who started 10 games and showed flashes of being a dynamic wide receiver.
Still, the former second-round draft pick has just 40 career catches in two NFL seasons, so he has not yet established himself in the league.
While he bulked up about eight pounds this offseason, he also had a hamstring injury.
Thomas said earlier this offseason that he was ready to "step up" into a leadership role but he realizes he still has a learning curve.
One of his competitors has lent a helping hand.
Fifteen-year veteran Joey Galloway is among receivers added to the roster this offseason. Galloway has 689 career receptions and has been in the league so long he once caught passes from Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon.
"He always plugs in with little things that he can give advice with," Thomas said. "He tells me when I should use my speed, or when I should show my hands as far as catching the ball. It's just different little techniques from a guy who has been around for a while. It's helped me a lot."
Along with Galloway, Thomas is competing with Bobby Wade, Roydell Williams and Mike Furrey for playing time opposite Santana Moss.
Last year, Thomas assumed a starting job after Malcolm Kelly struggled in the early part of the season.
Thomas finished the season with 25 catches for 325 yards and three touchdowns. His best game was in Week 13 vs. New Orleans when he caught a career-high seven passes for 100 yards and two TDs.
His season ended two weeks early when he suffered an ankle injury in Week 15.
This offseason, Thomas made off-the-field news when he appeared in a music video for R&B performer Fantasia.
With the season fast approaching, he hopes to make news on the field with a breakout season.
