Denver Broncos Tight End Julius Thomas saw reps with the first-team offense during the team’s mandatory three-day minicamp. The 2011 fourth round draft pick has been plagued with injuries over the last two seasons, yet head coach John Fox mentioned he wants to see Thomas in a bigger role.

At 6’5″, 255 lbs, the former Portland state prospect has made only one NFL catch. Thomas drew early comparisons to Jimmy Graham, and despite very little game action does have an opportunity to challenge for a larger role with the Broncos.

The Denver Post expects Julius Thomas to compete for playing time with Jacob Tamme in training camp.

Talk at Broncos camp has been very positive of the 24 year old tight end. Last week, Thomas outraced the safeties and hauled in a 50-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning. This week, he stretched out his long, lean body for a one-handed grab in the flat before weaving his way into the end zone.

“I’m not surprised by what he’s doing,” CB Champ Bailey said. “He’s been doing that for the last two years, it is just getting that opportunity to do it with the first team and getting some reps there. That is great because he has the talent. It’s just all about learning how to play this game and the mental part of it. We’ve seen him mature a lot over the past two years. I’m looking forward to seeing him get more reps this year.”

Fantasy Factor: At this point Julius Thomas is just a player to keep an eye on throughout training camp, although he does appear to be a deep sleeper with the positive reviews from mini camps. Peyton Manning can single-handedly bump Thomas’ fantasy stock value if he continues to impress. The depth chart is not chiseled in stone, and the talent currently ahead of Thomas waivers on pedestrian.