Jaguars select LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with No. 23 overall pick in 2024 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars were able to move back six slots in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft and select a player frequently mocked to them at their original pick of No. 17.

The Jaguars’ selection of LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. on Thursday night fills a need that opened up when Calvin Ridley left town to join the Titans. Jacksonville also had a need at cornerback but opted to take Thomas over Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold, giving quarterback Trevor Lawrence a big, speedy deep threat.

The decision is uncharacteristic for Jaguars’ general manager Trent Baalke, who has never selected a receiver above the 6th round in Jacksonville. The last time he used a first-round pick on a receiver was in 2012, when the 49ers chose A.J. Jenkins as the 30th overall pick in the draft. That choice was not successful, however, Thomas is a promising prospect with great potential.

Thomas might have played second fiddle at LSU to Malik Nabers, who was drafted sixth overall to the Giants on Thursday, but Thomas has the talent to develop into a No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville. The second LSU receiver off the board after Nabers, Thomas burst out in his third season in Baton Rouge. In his first two campaigns, he generated 359 yards and 361 yards, respectively, and seven total touchdowns. In 2023, he went for 1,177 yards and an FBS-high 17 touchdowns on 68 catches.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and boasting a 4.33 40-yard dash time, Thomas offers the perfect blend of stature and speed for professional play. His impressive catch radius empowers him to make plays that elude others, while his quickness off the line equips him to outpace press coverages.

Thomas’s superior acceleration allows him to effortlessly outpace defensive backs, and his adept skill in tracking the ball in flight, all create a potent mix for orchestrating big plays. Post-catch, his elusiveness exceeds that of many tall receivers, and he harnesses his swift speed to penetrate the open field.

Although Thomas primarily played on the outside during his college career, he possesses the skills necessary to adapt to various positions in the formation and perform as a large slot. Upon entering the NFL, he has the potential to further bulk up his physique. His play strength will undoubtedly be challenged, as he can be easily overpowered. Crucially, in order to succeed in the NFL, Thomas needs to expand his route tree and refine his route-running abilities.

If Thomas enhances his route running, he possesses the physical capabilities of a potential No. 1 receiver. Furthermore, he’s found himself in a location where his abilities can be immediately displayed.