Expectations were high for Brian Thomas Jr. as a first-round pick last spring, but few could have predicted the immediate impact the former LSU wideout would have in his first taste of professional ball.
Throughout his rookie campaign thus far, Thomas has met and exceeded expectations and continued to elevate his play, totaling 956 receiving yards and eight trips to paydirt through 14 games. His ability to stretch the field as a vertical threat has complemented the Jaguars' existing weapons, while his ability to holster a ‘WR1’ target share has showcased a highly productive young athlete worth building around.
Whether lined up outside as the X or working from the slot, his 6-foot-4 frame and immense catch radius have forced mismatches across the board against smaller defensive backs, while his deceptive acceleration at his size has seen Thomas pull away and outrun more fleet-of-foot corners. He’s been a target hog from Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones on high-leverage downs, an overpowering threat in the red zone, and as successful a vertical pass-catcher as there is in football, where his 4.33 40 type of speed has remained on full display.
And with said burst, his vertical prowess has forced safeties to respect him over the top, opening up opportunities in the short to intermediate game. Whether on slants, digs, five-yard outs, quick screens, or a timing throw, Thomas’ explosiveness has turned routine plays into six for Jacksonville.
Moving forward, what has made Thomas’ rookie campaign so special has been his ability to evolve. It hasn’t been pretty for the Jaguars in 2024, yet Thomas has remained a bright spot for a roster in need of such. As Jacksonville remains in search of its true identity as a franchise moving forward, Thomas has proven to be a core, foundational piece for both the now and long-term future in Duval.
