2024 NFL Draft Prospect: Brian Thomas Jr.

Brian Thomas Jr

Position: WR — Projected: 1st Round

History & Measurables

Born: Oct. 8, 2002 – Walker, LA

High School: Walker High School

College: LSU

Height – 6’2″     Weight – 209 lbs

Traits & Characteristics

The Good

• Speed Get Behind Defense
• Beat Press Coverage With Stutter and Quick First Step
• Tracks Ball and Great Body Control
• Smooth Runner

The Bad

• Concentration
• One Year of Production
• Limited Route Tree

Advanced Analytics Notes

2023 Receiving: 25 Target Minimum

• Targets: 87
• Overall Rec Grade: 75.1 (103rd among WRs)
• Man Rec Grade: 61.2 (341st among WRs)
• Zone Rec Grade: 72.7 (116th among WRs)
• Slot Alignment %: 13.2
• Wide Alignment %: 86.6
• Missed Tackles Forced: 11 (70th among WRs)
• ADOT: 13.9 (120th among WRs)
• Route Participation: 95.8 (125th among WRs)
• Yards Per Route Run: 2.61 (42nd among WRs)
• YAC/REC: 5.7 (178th among WRs)
• Contested Catch %: 53.8 (134th among WRs)
• QB Rating when Targeted: 148.8 (4th among WRs)

Film Notes and Highlights

Brian Thomas Jr. was overshadowed by Malik Nabers on LSU but he was just as explosive and productive in 2023. He is a smooth runner and is able to get behind defenses for big plays. Thomas Jr. has a nice stutter step and is quick off the line to avoid most press coverages. One thing he needs to improve on is when defenders use their hands on him to get off the line. He is able to win at every level but I would like to see a more varied route tree.

Brian Thomas Jr. has good hands and does not let the ball get to his body, but he does lose concentration at times. Another plus for me is how great of a blocker he is on running plays and for other receivers down the field. I think Thomas has all the tools to be a top receiver and could be a sleeper for Rookie of the Year if he goes to the right team in the 2024 NFL Draft. – Brandon Haye

(Games Watched: vs Alabama 2023, vs FSU 2023, vs Missouri 2023, vs Arkansas 2023, Texas A&M 2023, Ole Miss 2023)

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