Brian Thomas Jr. is a wide receiver from LSU. He is expected to be a top-15 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He is currently No. 9 overall on our 2024 Dynasty Rookie Rankings (SuperFlex) and will likely be a top-10 pick in fantasy football dynasty rookie drafts.
Check out our Fantasy Stock Watch for our 2024 Rookie Draft Profiles and Scouting Reports.
BRIAN THOMAS JR. DRAFT PROFILE AND NFL COMBINE RESULTS
- As a High School Prospect: Composite 4-Star, 89th nationally (WR13)
- Skillset & Traits: Brian Thomas Jr. is an elite deep threat showing off great acceleration, straight-line speed, and ball-tracking skills, which can unlock a vertical passing game. Thomas, a top high school basketball recruit, is a natural athlete who can win contested red zone situations. The LSU product has a high ceiling with untapped potential.
- Production: Thomas Jr. secured 167 receptions for 1,897 yards and 17 touchdowns as a three-year producer at LSU.
- NFL Combine Results: Height: 6’3″ Weight: 209 lbs Arm: 32 3/4″ Hand: 9 3/4″
BRIAN THOMAS JR. SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS:
- A big-play threat from anywhere on the field
- Elite deep threat (15 deep catches in 2023) with top-notch acceleration, speed, and tracking skills
- He doesn’t lose speed after the catch and consistently shows off his YAC
- Big target with tremendous speed and great hands
- Creates mismatches with cornerbacks due to his size
- Outstanding leaping ability; he rarely loses a 50-50 ball
- Quarterback rating of 148.8 when targeted during his junior year
- A natural athlete who excelled in basketball in high school, turning down D1 basketball offers to play football at LSU
WEAKNESSES:
- Although Thomas played significantly as a freshman and sophomore, he had only one year of true production
- Needs to develop his route tree further — especially in short and intermediate areas
- Can increase play strength with his 6-4 frame
- He’s not a fit for every offense — needs a strong-armed QB in a vertical scheme
- Did he benefit from going against single coverage/CB2s because he played across from Malik Nabers?
BRIAN THOMAS JR. PRODUCTION PROFILE
Brian Thomas Jr. presents a tantalizing package of physical traits and skills that could translate seamlessly to the NFL. Standing at an imposing 6-4, 205 lbs, Thomas boasts a combination of size, speed, and athleticism, making him a coveted prospect at the next level.
His ability to create separation with his speed and use his frame effectively to shield defenders make him a constant deep threat in LSU’s passing game, and these attributes bode well for his potential impact in the NFL.
Furthermore, Thomas demonstrates remarkable ball-tracking ability and leaping prowess, consistently winning contested catches and showcasing his reliability as a target in crucial situations. His proficiency in making contested catches is evidenced by his impressive quarterback rating when targeted, indicating his knack for coming down with receptions in traffic.
Thomas’ background in basketball adds another dimension to his game, as he displays fluidity in his movements and body control reminiscent of a seasoned athlete, which could serve him well in navigating tight coverage scenarios in the league.
While Thomas exhibits a wide array of skills and traits coveted by NFL teams, there remains room for growth and refinement in his game.
He played immediately at LSU as a true freshman and sophomore, immediately showing his natural skill set in the SEC. However, he did not make much noise until his junior season. Over 25 games combined as a freshman and sophomore, Thomas accumulated only 59 receptions for 720 yards and seven touchdowns. Then, as a junior, he had 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and a nation-leading 17 touchdown receptions.
Scouts will be ready to see him develop his route-running technique and expand his route tree to become a more versatile threat in various offensive schemes. Additionally, he must continue honing his consistency and concentration, ensuring that he minimizes drops and maximizes his impact on every play.
With his combination of physical gifts, technical ability, and room for development, Brian Thomas Jr. emerges as an exciting prospect with the potential to make a significant impact in the NFL and fantasy football.
BRIAN THOMAS JR. NFL COMBINE & RELATIVE ATHLETIC SCORE (RAS)
BOTTOM LINE
Brian Thomas Jr. can be a game-breaker in the NFL and he proved it during his junior season at LSU as Jayden Daniels’ WR2 behind Nabers.
Thomas Jr. has elite straight-line acceleration and speed, which makes him a mismatch vertically. He also possesses top-tier leaping ability and body control to win contested catches and jump balls in the end zone. Although his game is currently two-dimensional as a deep threat and jump ball specialist, the upside is massive for the 6-4 wideout.
If Thomas can expand his route tree to get open in the intermediate area consistently, he could become a well-rounded receiver with more consistency outside of the few vertical targets and screens he’ll see per game in the league.
The LSU product could immediately flourish if he’s put into a vertical attack with a gunslinger at quarterback (think of Josh Allen and the Bills). However, he could bust if he lands in a run-heavy scheme with a noodle arm at quarterback and an inconsistent passing attack.
No one can argue with his natural ability, but his high, untapped ceiling makes him a very intriguing project with a pretty high floor. His nation-leading 17 touchdowns prove he has a knack for the end zone, and that’s without him coming close to his full potential.
All in all, Brian Thomas Jr. has the makings of a star in the NFL and fantasy football as a touchdown-scoring deep threat with major upside.
