Brian Thomas Jr. | LSU 6’3” 209 lbs. 10/08/2002 (Age 21)
Brian Thomas Jr. was drafted 23rd overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, becoming the 4th wide receiver and 23rd overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2021 (FR) | 12 | 28 | 359 | 12.8 | 2 |
| 2022 (SO) | 13 | 31 | 361 | 11.6 | 5 |
| 2023 (JR) | 13 | 68 | 1,177 | 17.3 | 17 |
Thomas Jr. started his LSU journey as a four-star recruit from Walker High School in Louisiana. After two quiet seasons in 2021 and 2022, Thomas Jr. took a major step forward as a Junior this past season. He led the FBS with 17 receiving touchdowns (third all-time in school history behind only Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase). He also hauled in 68 receptions (ninth all-time in school history) for 1,177 yards (seventh all-time in school history) while serving as LSU’s WR2 behind Malik Nabers. Thomas Jr.’s impressive 2023 season led to Third-team Associated Press All-American and Second-team All-SEC honors.
FILM
STRENGTHS
Elusive against press coverage, showcasing great foot quickness and easy release from the line of scrimmage. Has elite straight-line speed and burst, as he often has his way in deep vertical routes over the top. Outstanding at tracking the ball and high-pointing his catch over defenders. Shaky and makes a lot of defenders miss in the open field. Great length and size, which bodes well to go along with his athleticism and speed.
WEAKNESSES
Needs to improve his strength and physicality. Can be a bit inefficient in some of his routes and cuts. Limited in his route tree overall. Tends to drop more passes than expected. Although he has blazing speed, he tends to slow down mightily with defenders in front of him on the field. Average run blocker on the outside. Only has one true season of great production under his belt.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Thomas Jr. measured in at 6’3” and 209 lbs, which equates to a BMI of 26.1. He ran a stunning 4.33-second 40-yard dash (98th percentile), equating to a 122.2-speed score (99th percentile). Thomas Jr. also displayed a 128.5 burst score (83rd percentile) and a college dominator score of 32.7 percent (63rd percentile).
Thomas Jr. shows elite speed, as his 4.33-second 40-yard dash was the second-fastest amongst the 30 wide receiver participants. His 1.5-second 10-yard split was the third fastest in that group as well. He showcased solid leaping abilities with a 38.5” vertical and a 126” broad jump. His biggest red flag would be his strength, as he only finished with 11 reps on the bench press (20th percentile), which was the worst among 12 wide receivers who participated.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Good
Thomas Jr. was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The LSU product joins a decent wide receiver room that features Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Zay Jones. He will now haul in passes from Trevor Lawrence with a chance to emerge as the WR2 next to Kirk on the outside.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
I have Thomas Jr. as the fourth wide receiver in this year’s draft class. With Rome Odunze going to Chicago, Thomas Jr. has a chance to produce as the third-best receiver out of this draft class in 2024.
In your rookie drafts, Thomas Jr. should go somewhere in the middle of the first round. If you need a wide receiver and find yourself with a pick in the middle of the first round, Thomas Jr. should be in strong consideration for your pick. He has great upside and should emerge as one of Lawrence’s top pass-catchers in this offense.
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