Brian Thomas Jr. WR LSU | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Brian Thomas Jr. WR LSU
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Outside X-Receiver | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 04/21/2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.33 seconds (95%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Outside X-Receiver | |
| Last Updated: 04/21/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2024 | |
| 40 time: 4.33 seconds (95%*) | |
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| Overall Rating: | 88.0 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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77% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 143.2 | |
| Hands: |
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78% |
| Short Receiving: |
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83% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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87% |
| Deep Threat: |
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93% |
| Blocking: |
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66% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Mid
Overall Rank:
#22
Position rank:
#4
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| College Games: 37 College Snaps: 1547 | ||
ESPN RATING: 84/100
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247 RATING: 95/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| George Pickens - Georgia |
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80% |
| Terrace Marshall Jr. - LSU |
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78% |
| Cedric Tillman - Tennessee |
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74% |
Drafted: ROUND: 1 - Pick Number: 23 (JAX)
Draft Profile: Bio
Brian Thomas Jr., a wide receiver from LSU, started his football journey as a highly-touted recruit from Walker High School in Louisiana. A consensus four-star recruit, Thomas showcased his athletic versatility by playing basketball, where he posted three consecutive 1,000-point seasons.In his 2021 freshman season, Thomas Jr. made an immediate impact in 12 games, recording 28 receptions for 359 yards, averaging 12.8 yards per reception, and scoring 2 touchdowns. He also demonstrated his efficiency as a receiver with a quarterback rating when targeted of 111.7.He followed this up as a sophomore where in 2022, through 12 games. Thomas managed 27 catches for 330 yards, averaging 12.2 yards per catch, adding 4 touchdowns.
In his junior year, 2023, Thomas Jr.'s exploded as he made 68 catches for a huge 1177 yards, averaging 17.3 yards per catch, and scoring 17 touchdowns. His standout performance was further highlighted by an elite quarterback rating when targeted of 148.8, showcasing his significant growth and potential as a top-tier wide receiver prospect.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Exceptional ability to start and stop quickly, showcasing agility and control.
- Boasts outstanding length, providing an advantage in reaching and securing the ball.
- Demonstrates natural explosiveness, aiding in creating separation.
- Moves fluidly, enhancing route-running capabilities.
- Exhibits violent change of direction, making him elusive after the catch.
- Proves to be a formidable red-zone target with his ability to high-point the ball effectively.
- Has an impressive repertoire of releases, helping to beat press coverage.
- Exhibits excellent ball-tracking skills, consistently posing a threat on downfield passes.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Route breaks on short and intermediate routes can be inefficient.
- While a vertical and crossing route threat, he shows an underdeveloped overall route tree.
- Long limbs and unsteady footwork occasionally lead to inconsistent route breaks.
- Needs to utilize his speed and athleticism more effectively to uncover against defenders.
- Still in the process of becoming a more physical presence along the route stem.
- Only has had a single year of being the featured player at college. Prior to 2023 his play was far from noteworthy
Scouting Report: Summary
Brian Thomas Jr. stands out as a dynamic receiver with an impressive combination of size, speed, and burst. He's a formidable vertical threat, showcasing exceptional acceleration and smooth ball-tracking skills. His ability to explode off the line, combined with a natural feel for space, makes him dangerous on both deep and short routes. While there are areas for refinement in his route running, particularly on complex patterns requiring sharp breaks, his potential is evident. His physicality isn't fully consistent with his size yet, especially in contested catches, but he shows promise. Thomas is a high-upside prospect suited for a vertical offense, where his ability to stretch the field and create after the catch can be maximized. If NFL teams think he can consistently reproduce his 2023 body of work he'll be a no brainer first-round selection, however they'll need to be sure it wasn't a one off.Brian Thomas Jr. percentiles vs other Wide Receivers (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
Brian Thomas Jr. Video Review
How other scouting services rate Brian Thomas Jr. (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
23.6
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
4.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.