Brian Thomas Jr.'s Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings
Player profile
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HT/WT6' 2'' , 209 lbs
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Birthdate10/08/2002 (22)
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CollegeLSU
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Draft Info2024: Rd 1, Pk 23 (JAX)
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StatusActive
2024 season stats
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Receptions6 47th
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Receiving Yards141 18th
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Receiving Touchdowns1 9th
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Total DYAR61 8th
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught one pass for a team-high 38 yards in Friday's 31-0 preseason win against the Atlanta Falcons. The LSU product hasn't touched the ball much this preseason, but he's made big plays when he has. BTJ's speed should get him on the field early on, with his main competition for playing time being Gabe Davis, who was signed this offseason from Buffalo. Typically, rookies become valuable in fantasy as they improve later in the season. Given the first-round WR's draft capital and path to playing time, he could easily fall into that category and become a league winner down the stretch. With an ADP of 128, fantasy managers who believes in the talent should take a shot on Thomas as a bench stash.
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor is enthusiastic about rookie first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.'s progress, stating, "You can see his development and the player he's becoming. He's already showing more than we saw before, and he's still far from reaching his peak, even two weeks or 18 weeks from now." This is promising news, especially given earlier reports that Thomas was lagging in camp. The Jaguars traded down from No. 17 to No. 23 in the 2024 NFL draft to select Thomas, making him the fourth receiver off the board and initiating a receiver surge in the final 10 picks of the first round. Thomas had a standout college career, catching 28 passes for 359 yards and two touchdowns in 2021, followed by 31 catches for 361 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, and then a breakout 2023 season with 68 catches for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns. While Thomas may not be the safest weekly option compared to others, he's a strong pick if you're looking for a potential WR4 or WR5 to develop into a significant contributor later in the season.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. stood out while working out of the slot in Thursday's joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and continues to receive praise from the coaching staff. "He continues to grow, and just he and Trevor Lawrence keep talking and working. That's what's going to take, you're not going to be a finished product right away, but if he continues to improve and just learn with the offense, grow with the offense. But he's been doing a really good job," head coach Doug Pederson said. On his only catch in his NFL debut last weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs, the 21-year-old caught a 41-yard pass from C.J. Beathard. Although the Jaguars added Gabe Davis in the offseason, Thomas, the 23rd overall pick in the draft, has the chance to push for the WR2 role in Jacksonville and is worth a late-round flier as a WR4/flex heading into his first year in the NFL.
The Athletic's Jeff Howe writes that Jacksonville Jaguars rookie first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. seemed to make a positive impression during offseason workouts. Thomas is in a good spot heading into his first year in the NFL because the Jaguars already have a cache of proven skill players, so he can come into his own at his own pace. The Jaguars will be thrilled if he can solidify an early role as a speed-driven deep threat for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Fantasy managers considering drafting him in single-year leagues in 2024 will want to keep a close eye on how the 21-year-old's skills will translate in a more physical environment in training camp this summer. The LSU product was in the shadow of Malik Nabers in college and is probably going to struggle for consistent targets in 2024 as long as Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and Evan Engram all stay healthy.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. agreed to and signed his rookie deal on Friday, the team announced on X. The LSU product was selected with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after posting 68 receptions for 1,177 yards, and 17 receiving touchdowns (led nation) in his final collegiate season. With Jacksonville losing Calvin Ridley this offseason, they're expecting the 21-year-old to eventually develop into a No. 1 wide receiver for Trevor Lawrence. While wideout Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram are likely to be Lawrence's preferred targets early in the 2024 campaign, Thomas Jr. could become a solid weekly flex option later in the season. He should be able to fend off Gabe Davis if he lives up to his status as a first-round pick.