Many of the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft decided not to work out at this year’s NFL Combine. One of the guys who decided to participate was LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who was already looked at as a first-round pick.
Thomas did nothing to hurt his stock. If anything, he showcased the athleticism and speed that college football fans across the country saw during the 2023 season.
If teams were intrigued with Thomas before he worked out in Indianapolis, they left that weekend even more excited.
Brian Thomas Jr.’s Impressive Performance at the 2024 NFL Combine
Thomas is considered one of the best players in an elite wide receiver class, with up to six receivers potentially going in the first round.
There’s the assumed top three of Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze, and Thomas has had his name mentioned as WR4 for many teams.
How Fast Is Thomas?
Thomas ran a blistering 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. That time puts him in the 94th percentile of all wide receivers.
Usually, that type of speed comes from smaller wide receivers.
Oh Brian Thomas Jr. just made himself some MONEYYYYY.
The #LSU WR ZOOMED for a 4.34 40😳 pic.twitter.com/EnTq7k8BeT
— The Jordy Culotta Show (@CulottaShow) March 2, 2024
However, Thomas is also a physically imposing receiver as he stands at 6’3” and weighs 209 pounds.
The fact that Thomas ran this fast makes him a truly intriguing receiver prospect.
MORE: Fastest Wide Receiver 40-Yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History
Thomas’ Latest Scouting Report
Last season, Thomas led the NCAA with 17 touchdown catches. The LSU offense was loaded last year, as Nabers and quarterback Jayden Daniels both were on the team as well.
With Nabers on one side, Thomas was able to get a lot of one-on-one matchups, which he capitalized on.
Thomas was able to put it all together last year, and Pro Football Network draft analyst Ian Cummings said Thomas has the potential to become a big-time player.
“There is a bit of projection required with Thomas, but for a young player, the body of work is already incredibly promising,” Cummings said. “Right away in the NFL, Thomas has the profile to win as a vertical, red-zone, and RAC threat, and he has the upside to be a true WR1 and an impact player.
“Thomas has all of the necessary physical tools in elite quantities. He’s an overbearing size threat with a massive catch radius, but he also carries his weight with effortless ease and has an exciting mix of explosiveness, speed, agility, and fluidity.
“Thomas is still relatively raw as a WR, but his production in 2023 was extremely promising, and there are reassuring traits on tape. He’s a catch-point savant whose combined reach, body control, sense of timing, and proactivity can overwhelm defenders in the red zone and on the boundary, and his upside as a route runner is clear as day.”
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Brian Thomas Jr.
Last year was the first time he has truly put together all of his gifts into a special season. He may experience a little bit more of a learning curve than some of the other receivers in this class. However, if he is able to reach his full potential, then he could be looked at as truly one of the best players from this draft class.
Why Did Thomas Run the 40-Yard Dash at the NFL Combine?
With so many of his competitors opting out of competing at the NFL Combine, it would have made sense for Thomas to as well. However, he did have more to prove than some of the other top receivers.
The other top prospects had put up multiple big seasons in college football. For Thomas, he had one big year.
KEEP READING: Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft
There were people saying Thomas took advantage of a great opportunity. He was playing with the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, and he wasn’t the primary receiver on his team.
Thomas went out to the NFL Combine to sort of separate himself as an individual, and that is exactly what he did.
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