The Jacksonville Jaguars have addressed a pressing need at wide receiver by selecting former LSU standout Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Throughout the pre-draft process, Thomas has been consistently ranked among the top wide receiver prospects, showcasing his exceptional talent in the 2023 season. Coming off a stellar second-team All-SEC campaign, Thomas led FBS with an impressive 17 receiving touchdowns. His production was not limited to the end zone, as he also racked up 68 receptions for 1,177 receiving yards in his breakout senior season. Thomas’s versatility extends beyond his ability to find the end zone, as he has proven to be a valuable outlet for former Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow. The LSU product possesses an impressive skillset that complements the Jaguars’ offense, showcasing the potential to develop into a reliable deep threat and a future WR1.
As a prospect, Thomas draws comparisons to former NFL wide receivers Corey Davis and Josh Doctson, owing to their shared physical attributes and similar profiles as tall receivers with good speed but room for refinement. While Davis and Doctson’s NFL careers did not live up to expectations, players with Thomas’s size and speed, such as Mike Evans, Allen Robinson, and DJ Chark, have established solid-to-good careers in the league. Thomas exhibits similar strengths to these players, showcasing his speed as his primary strength. While he may not reach the heights of Mike Evans, Thomas possesses the potential to follow a career trajectory similar to that of DJ Chark, another LSU receiver with height and speed who has made a significant impact in the NFL.
Scouting reports highlight Thomas’s impressive physical attributes, describing him as a tall and athletically built perimeter wideout with exceptional ball-tracking capabilities. Despite not being considered an explosive athlete, Thomas compensates with his ability to win off the line of scrimmage, using his physicality and route-running savvy to create separation. He displays surprising agility for a receiver of his size, which translates into effective yards after the catch. Thomas’s deceptive long speed often surprises defensive backs, allowing him to gain an advantage downfield. Furthermore, he possesses the ability to make contested catches, consistently finding the ball over his shoulder or in traffic. While no aspect of his game stands out as exceptional, Thomas’s overall skillset is polished, making him a reliable and promising wide receiver prospect. With his age and room for improvement, Thomas has the potential to develop into a significant contributor for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
