Devy Digest: Brian Thomas Jr

The Devy Digest, featuring LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

• Brian Thomas Jr
• Position: Wide Receiver
• LSU Tigers
  
• 6’4”, 205 pounds
  
• Age: 21
  
• Draft Eligible: 2024
  
• Devy Digest WR 2024 Draft Rank: 6
  

Who is Brian Thomas Jr?

Brian Thomas Jr was a 4⭐️ in the composites. He attended Walker High in Louisiana and was a highly coveted. Thomas was the 4th ranked recruit in the state of Louisiana where he was a dual sport athlete, also proficient in basketball. Bryan Thomas was part of the 2021 class.

As a True Freshman, Thomas was an impactful player. He appeared in 10 regular season games and proved to be a reliable receiver, gaining nearly 350 receiving yards. As a Sophomore, Thomas wasn’t able to gain traction as a key cog in the receiving game. The only receiver who shined in that LSU offense was Malik Nabers. Kayshon Boutte was the expected leader of the room, but failed to live up to expectations. Meanwhile, Thomas wasn’t able to get on the same page with quarterback Jayden Daniels. This past season, the LSU offense fired on all cylinders and Thomas exploded onto the scene. He elected to forego his final collegiate season and declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Strengths

Brian Thomas Jr is an uber athletic, possessing unique traits for his size. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Thomas has a very good release package and lateral agility, in combination with quick burst and acceleration. These traits allow him to be very good at creating after the catch. He’s is very proficient at tracking the ball – which is perhaps his greatest strength. Thomas’ size, speed and ball tracking allow him to win deep consistently.

Thomas will naturally become a key redzone target in the NFL due to his size. He’s also a big play threat waiting to happen. Thomas hits his top gear within strides and is a great straight line runner. Fans held their breath all season when the ball was in the air and headed in his direction.

Areas of Improvement & Concern

Brian Thomas did not run a full route tree. There are concerns that in the NFL he will only be a one-trick pony. His profile is similar to a DK Metcalf coming out of high school. Both players were very athletic with good straight line speed and tracked a deep ball beautifully. DK was able to diversify his route tree at the next level. We are hoping Thomas is able to at the next level.

Physical, lengthy corners have given Thomas trouble. He will need to improve his release packages in the NFL. It could seem like we are nitpicking these traits, but they are something to note. There are concerns at the next level that he can get jammed at the line of scrimmage and knocked off his route, forcing his quarterback to look the other way.

Another trait that Thomas will need to improve on is high pointing the ball. While he tracks the ball well, at times he won’t go up to pluck snatch it. Thomas blossomed in this offense in 2023, but was this just an aberration? He benefited from having Malik Nabers opposite him and defenses also had to spy Jayden Daniels. This often left Thomas in one-on-one coverage and LSU was able to exploit that. Can Thomas create for himself at the next level or will he need time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL. There are some concerns with his profile. While he had a fantastic season, could it be one of those magical seasons that won’t be replicated due to the weapons at LSU?

Beyond the Numbers

Brian Thomas lined up in the slot at about 13% of the time in his final season at LSU and no more than 12 times in any game. Thomas earned about 49% of his targets on short routes, but his biggest success were on deep routes. There, he was targeted 25% and gained 670 yards with 12 touchdowns. Thomas has a career 1.95 yards per route ran and an ADOT of 12.2 yards. He has been credited with 13 drops or a 9.3% for his collegiate career.

Devy & C2C Value

In Devy drafts, Thomas was likely a second- to-third round pick. He’s coming off an elite season and could very well end up being taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. It is not without reason that you can flip him for an established asset. The wide receiver landscape is starting to change as we see stalwarts starting to age out. I can see why a manager would like to hang on, but if you can trade up or package Thomas and an asset to secure a tier 1 or 2 (established) WR, I would consider.

In C2C leagues, it’s likely you spent a decent capital on Thomas. And, he gave you a fantastic final season of college football and hopefully helped you reach the finals in C2C leagues. If you have doubts on him, you can flip Thomas for an NFL flex asset and an early college supplemental pick. If you feel he is a DK Metcalf type of WR and improve his overall profile and route tree, you can hang on and see what you have.

NFL Outlook

Brian Thomas should run the 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. With his size, if he can run a good 40, he could cement first round draft capital. Thomas is coming off an absolutely outstanding season and can further capitalize on that with a strong combine. His floor is a Day 2 pick, but I can’t see Thomas falling too far. He’s a player that’ll work in most systems and is not someone that is landing spot dependent like some of his peers in this draft class.