Summary

Brian Thomas Jr. was selected in Round 1 (#23 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of LSU. At LSU, he totaled 127 receptions for 1,897 yards and 24 touchdowns over three seasons, including a breakout 2023 campaign with 68 catches, 1,177 yards, and 17 touchdowns, leading the FBS in TD receptions. He earned Second‑Team All‑SEC and Third‑Team All‑America honors in 2023 and was a Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist. Thomas combines elite size, speed, and explosiveness, posting one of the best Relative Athletic Scores (9.97) in LSU history. In the NFL, he made an immediate impact, finishing his rookie season with 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, earning recognition as one of the top young receivers in the league. “BTJ” is known for being a more reserved and quiet guy off the field but turns into an ultimate competitor when the lights are brightest, showing willingness to block downfield for teammates and do the dirty work.

Strengths

• Elite size-speed combination: At 6′4″ and over 200 lbs with reported 4.33-second 40-yard-dash speed, Thomas possesses rare physical tools for an outside receiver. He’s a prototypical vertical threat with the ability to take the top off defenses.

• Deep-ball tracking and finishing: Exceptional at locating and adjusting to deep throws. Displays natural body control and balance, allowing him to win over-the-shoulder catches and contested jump balls downfield with a high proclivity for the spectacular catch.

• Explosiveness and separation: Thomas is quick off the line with long strides that eat up cushion rapidly and corners often struggle to mirror his acceleration on go routes and posts. He creates separation vertically and can stretch safeties deep while also cause headaches for defenses with his YAC ability on screens and reverses.

• Untapped route potential: Though he was primarily used as a deep threat at LSU, he has shown flashes of sharp route breaks on slants and comebacks—signs that he can grow into a more complete receiver if he opens his mind up to it.

Weaknesses

• Drops and concentration: Though it did not plague Thomas much during his rookie year in the stat sheet, Thomas has a tendency to “double catch” passes and often will take his eyes off the ball to brace for contact rather than looking the ball in, leading to an unusually high drop rate in 2025.

• Physicality at the catch point vs. press corners While tall, Thomas sometimes struggles against physical NFL corners who jam him early due to his high stance and lack of aggression coming off the line of scrimmage. Needs to improve hand usage and play strength through contact and demonstrate courage to operate in the middle of the field.

• Route tree development LSU’s offense limited him to a narrow route tree (mostly verticals, posts, and slants). Needs refinement on intermediate routes, timing, and leverage manipulation at the next level, especially when it comes to operating between the hashes in the middle of the field.

• Body language Thomas is considered to be a very quiet and reserved personality, which is a rarity for his position. Due to his laid back disposition, he can come across as lazy or lacking effort/enthusiasm in doing the routine and mundane things with vigor.

Fit & Outlook

Perfect schematic fit for Jacksonville’s need for a vertical outside receiver to complement a grittier X and F option that could pick up his dirty work over the middle of the field. While his size-speed profile would scream that Thomas would project as a true X receiver element Trevor Lawrence previously lacked, Thomas’ sophomore year regression in fighting through the catch point and securing the ball in traffic suggest he may have to operate as a tall Z that is sent on vertical route outside of the numbers. Thomas has WR1 physical traits and upside. If he develops his route running and adjusts to NFL physicality, he could evolve into a premier deep threat similar to other LSU receivers such as Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase. Early in his career, expect splash plays on verticals and gradual improvement in intermediate consistency.