Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
Last Updated: 11/28/2023
Brian Thomas Jr. gets overshadowed some by his running mate Malik Nabers, but this should not be the case. He was a 4-star recruit and the ninth-best wide receiver in the 2021 class according to 247sports. Thomas is having a breakout season himself topping 1000 yards and finding the endzone an NCAA-leading 15 times through the air.
Thomas has prototypical size, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 201 pounds, which he uses every inch of within his game. He doesn’t always separate like the best within this class, but his lengthy frame gives him a significant catch radius making him more open than he appears on tape. Paired with his ability to box out defenders well, this allows him to win contested catches more times than not. He marries this with the ability to catch the ball away from his body while attacking the ball at the high point. Thomas has displayed some drop issues, but a majority of the time he has reliable and strong hands. He also displays good hand-eye coordination, which helps him make circus-like catches on occasion. With plus body control, he also can work the sideline and end-line with the best of them. Another positive trait is how he works back to the ball making it hard for a defensive back to undercut the routes.
When it comes to his route tree it is limited, but he does show good fluidity and bend in this limited exposure. Thomas will need to improve his twitch and physicality within his breaks to create more separation to take the next step as a route runner though. He has a strong release predicated on his quickness that gives him a huge advantage within these routes and allows him to stack defensive backs easily. He also displays a great ability to track the ball downfield allowing him to take advantage of his long stride to make explosive plays often. He is not the fastest player on the field but has plenty of speed for his size and excels when it comes to speed manipulation. Thomas’s transition from receiver to runner allows him to eat up space quickly and helps him create some extra yardage but is not a YAC monster. Within this though are some ball security issues as he has coughed the ball up a few times after the catch.
- Hands catcher
- High-points the ball well
- Body Control
- Limited route tree
- Ball security
- 2023 Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist
- 40-yard dash: 4.33s
- 10-yard split: 1.5s
- Vertical: 38.5″
- Broad Jump: 10’6″
Three-cone: TBD - Shuttle: TBD
- Bench: 11
- X or Z-receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. has significant upside in the right offense, but as a slightly under-athletic player, he also has a decent bust factor. His best role will come if he can be a secondary option within the passing game where he can prey on lesser competition. Without improving the technical side of his game, he may be limited when it comes to his fantasy ceiling, but there could still be solid fantasy value in a lesser role.
