After assembling a solid roster on a shoestring budget during free agency, Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has earned the right to be bold in the NFL Draft.
While most expect Grier to address the trenches with the Dolphins’ first-round pick in three weeks, the deep and talented wide receiver class — which includes LSU star Brian Thomas Jr. — might be too good to pass up.
Miami Dolphins Draft Preview: Get To Know LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr.
The Basics
- Age: 21
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 205 pounds
- Position: WR
- School: LSU
- Years in College: 3
- PFN Big Board Ranking: No. 13 overall, No. 4 wide receiver
Why Brian Thomas Jr. Is a First-Round Talent
Thomas might have been overshadowed a bit playing alongside Malik Nabers, the unanimous All-American who led the SEC in receiving yards in 2023 (1,569).
But Thomas, whose 17 receiving touchdowns were most in FBS in 2023, certainly caught the eyes of NFL scouts. The Dolphins would be over the moon if Thomas somehow slipped out of the top 20.
That doesn’t seem super likely, however. Not with Thomas’ prototypical size, elite speed (he ran a 4.33 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine), and leaping ability (38.5-inch vertical).
Here’s PFN NFL draft analyst Ian Cummings‘ breakdown of Thomas’ strengths and weaknesses:
- Streamlined WR with elite length and efficient mass and is a premier athlete at his size.
- Stack specialist with superlative explosiveness and speed working the vertical plane.
- Has the long speed to create and sustain vertical separation, generating big plays.
- Energetic, flexible long-strider who can vaporize tackling angles with his acceleration.
- Crisp foot speed and agility allow him to offset DBs with split and foot-fire releases.
- Has a relatively underdeveloped route tree past verticals, crossers, and drags.
- Head fakes and stop-and-start moves aren’t always abrupt or deliberate enough to sell.
- Can be a bit more consistent at fully pressing upfield into stems with his vertical speed.
- Sometimes loses his balance when attempting to sink and hinge around on hitches.
- Still learning how to stay controlled while channeling high-energy athleticism at stems.
How Thomas Would Fit
Thomas joining the Dolphins would give Mike McDaniel by far the best and deepest wide receiver room in football. And he would help soften the blow if the Dolphins decide to move on from Tyreek Hill after the season — which is a real possibility.
The Bills just got a second-round pick for Stefon Diggs. The Dolphins certainly could get at least that for Hill, who, after 2024, will have two years and $68 million left on his contract (none guaranteed).
But in the short term, Thomas would add a totally different type of dynamic as a true X receiver with both speed and size. His arrival in Miami would allow McDaniel to use Hill and Jaylen Waddle more out of the slot. And it would probably mean nothing but single coverage all season for tight end Jonnu Smith.
Thomas, whose favorite route is the slot fade, was asked at last month’s NFL Scouting Combine what he does best.
His answer: “Being able to pick up on coverages, decipher what coverage the defense is in, and picking up on things fast.”
Basketball on Grass
If it feels like Thomas plays above the rim, there’s a reason:
He was a star hooper who won a state championship in basketball his freshman year at Walker (La.) High School. In fact, Thomas didn’t even play football until he was a sophomore. Thomas made up for lost time right away, catching 17 touchdowns as a junior.
Still, he’s a bit raw, so he’ll need some seasoning early on. The good news for the Dolphins? They probably wouldn’t need him to play more than 35 snaps a game as a rookie.
Thomas said he made a leap at LSU by “being better at practice, creating great habits for everything in my life.”
No, Not THAT One
Brian Thomas Jr. shouldn’t be confused with Bryan Thomas Jr., the South Carolina pass rusher and eponymous son of the former New York Jets first-round pick.
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Unfortunately, there was no Thomas vs. Thomas showdown in college. LSU has not played South Carolina since 2020.