NFL Draft Profile: Wide Receiver Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
Strengths, weaknesses and a summary of wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr.
Position: Wide Receiver
School: LSU
Play Style: Outside X-Receiver
Age: 21
DOB: 10/8/2002
Height: 6'3
Weight: 209 lbs
40-Time: 4.33
FantasySP Position Ranking: 4
Round Projected: 1
NFL Comp: DeAndre Hopkins
Summary
Thomas was an outstanding college wide receiver despite being overshadowed by his teammate Malik Nabers and quarterback Jayden Daniels. When you are on the same field as those two stars, it's only natural that people are going to question just how much you're benefiting from having those guys on your team and what will happen when you don't have them anymore.
After watching his film, there shouldn't be all that much concern. The talent is there and there is no reason he shouldn't be able to be a highly productive NFL wideout. He should become a very good WR1 or great WR2 on the next level with physical talent to eventually develop into a high-end WR1. The ideal situation for him would be to pair him with a top slot guy or a great pass-catching TE. This way he can dominate on the outside while his teammate can cause havoc in the middle of the field.
Strengths
- Has a nose for the end zone
- Impressive athlete
- Outstanding speed
- Displays short area quickness
- Gets off the line well even when being pressed
- Tracks the ball well downfield
- His speed and size make him an elite downfield weapon
- Impressive bend and agility when running routes
- Natural and smooth in his movements
- Accelerates quickly
- Excellent separator on quick routes
Weaknesses
- Doesn't play as well when in traffic
- Not an overly physical receiver
- Lacks difference-making ability after the catch
- Route running could use some work
- Doesn't always do the little things
- Suffers from concentration drops on occasion
Our Take
Thomas is our WR4 in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he is bunched in with a handful of other guys right there with him. If he could play with a bit more toughness and physicality it could take him to the next level.
He will also have to prove that he can be the man in an offense. That's something we worry less about. His game does need some work, but nothing that can't be tweaked fairly easily with some solid coaching and attention to detail. Expect him to be selected in the first round of the draft.
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