Summary

Brian Thomas Jr. was selected in the 1st Round (#23 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of LSU. Thomas is a high-ceiling, field-stretching wideout whose blend of height, speed, and ball-tracking ability makes him one of the most dangerous deep threats from the 2024 draft class. His development as a complete route runner and ability to handle physical corners will determine whether he remains a vertical specialist or blossoms into a true WR1. With his natural tools and fit in Jacksonville’s offense, his long-term potential is extremely promising.

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.

• Explosiveness and separation Quick off the line with long strides that eat up cushion rapidly. Corners often struggle to mirror his acceleration on go routes and posts. Creates separation vertically and can stretch safeties deep.

• Red-zone weapon Uses his frame, catch radius, and leaping ability to win fades, back-shoulder throws, and high-point situations. Excellent target inside the 20-yard line and can be used in motion horizontally as a runner as well.

• 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.

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.

• Blocking consistency Has the size and strength to be a solid blocker, but effort and engagement vary play to play. Needs to show more willingness in run support.

• 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.

• 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 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.