Malik Nabers isn’t the only LSU wide receiver projected to go early in the 2024 NFL Draft. Teammate Brian Thomas Jr. is part of the next crop of talented pass-catchers after the big three of Marvin Harrison Jr., Nabers, and Rome Odunze. Let’s take a look at Thomas’ path to becoming an NFL wide receiver.
Where Did Brian Thomas Jr.’s Football Career Start?
In what seems to be a common theme among this year’s top receivers, Thomas spent his entire football career close to home. Raised in Walker, La., Thomas went to his local high school, Walker High School. An incredibly gifted athlete, Thomas played both football and basketball.
Thomas’ best season came as a junior. That year, he caught 75 passes for 1,272 and 17 touchdowns. Although his senior year wasn’t anywhere near as productive, Thomas was still selected to the 2021 All-American Bowl.
A four-star recruit, Thomas received offers from 16 Division I programs. Ultimately, he chose to stay in Louisiana, committing to and enrolling at LSU.
Revisiting Thomas’ College Career
Thomas was gifted enough right away to avoid redshirting. Sharing a field with three future NFL receivers, Kayshon Boutte, Trey Palmer, and Nabers, Thomas wasn’t really able to do much as a freshman. He appeared in 12 games, catching 28 passes for 369 yards and two touchdowns.
Thomas’ sophomore year wasn’t much better. In 13 games, he grabbed 31 receptions for 361 yards and five touchdowns. There wasn’t much buzz surrounding Thomas just yet.
LSU has a LOT of receiving talent…
Don’t sleep on Brian Thomas Jr. 💤 pic.twitter.com/CrNu6a4HiC
— College Football Network (@CFN365) October 16, 2022
It wasn’t until his junior season that Thomas broke out, establishing himself as a potential first-round talent. Despite sharing a field with Nabers, Thomas reeled in 68 passes for 1,177 yards, and his 17 touchdowns led the FBS.
In one year, Thomas went from a virtual nobody to so highly-valued that he was able to declare for the NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility.
Thomas’ Potential in the NFL
Thomas doesn’t quite match up with the big three, but those guys are supreme talents. By no means is that a knock on Thomas.
Pro Football Network’s NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings described Thomas “as a top-20 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft and a top-five prospect at his position. He’s worth early-to-mid first-round capital, and he has the upside to be an impact NFL starter with X-receiver and movement-Z versatility.
“At 6’4″, 205 pounds, 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.”
KEEP READING: Ian Cumming’s Full Brian Thomas Jr. Scouting Report
While Cummings doesn’t view Thomas as nearly a sure thing, he’s still more likely to succeed than fail.
“There is a bit of projection required with Thomas, but for a young player, the body of work is already incredibly promising. 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.”
Highlights, Records, and More
Thomas’ most impressive accomplishment is his aforementioned nation-leading 17 receiving touchdowns as a junior. His performance earned him second-team All-ACC honors. CFN placed him on its Third-Team All-American Offense.
When it comes to evaluating college prospects, especially wide receivers, the earlier they break out, the better. There’s always a bit more risk with players who leave college with just one elite season. At the same time, Thomas’ ability to leave school early and likely go in the first round is a strong point in his favor.
We know every prospect doesn’t pan out. Even if he goes in the first round, there are busts among the top 32 picks every year. With that said, Thomas has all the tools to become a quality receiver at the NFL level. Hopefully, he lands in a spot with a good quarterback situation and excellent coaches to help him realize his potential.
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