The pick is in: Jaguars select LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. at 23rd overall

The Jaguars’ first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft is wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Here’s everything you need to know.

With the 23rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver, LSU.

Process

Six quarterbacks were taken in the first 12 picks — and an offensive player was selected with each of the first 10 picks for the first time in draft history — which opened the door for top-tier defensive prospects to fall.

With no cornerback selected through the 16th pick, Jacksonville opted to make a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, who moved up to select Alabama’s Dallas Turner. The Jaguars “won” the transaction (17th overall for 23rd overall, 167th overall, and a 3rd and 4th round pick next year) according to whichever trade value chart you prefer.

It was a good trade for the Jaguars, even if their fans would’ve appreciated an earlier bedtime.

Cornerback was commonly agreed upon as Jacksonville’s biggest need entering the evening. The team had its pick of Quinyon Mitchell or Terrion Arnold at 17th overall, and Arnold was still available at 24th overall, but Trevor Lawrence’s receiver room was addressed instead.

Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images

Background

• Name: Brian Thomas Jr.
• Consensus ranking: 19th (WR4)
• Year: Junior
• Age: Turns 22 on October 8
• Hometown: Walker, L.A.
• High school: Walker
• Recruiting: 4 stars
• Instagram: @BrianThomas_11
• Twitter: @brian.thomas11
• Accolades: Third Team All-American; Second Team All-SEC; Led FBS in receiving TDs (2023)

Consensus rankings via Wide Left Football; recruiting info via 247 Sports

Stats

Measurables

Stock

Analysis

Scouting report from Derrik Klassen of Bleacher Report:

Thomas has the big-play potential to be a weapon in the NFL. It’s hard to find players with his size, speed and instant burst. While he may not yet be the most complete receiver, Thomas has plenty of good traits to work with and is still a growing, developing young receiver. Thomas would be best served in a vertical offense that unlocks his field-stretching ability.

Player summary from Dane Brugler of The Athletic:

Overall, Thomas plays with impressive length, fluid peed and ball-winning athleticism. If his route efficiency catches up with his natural talent, he will be a dangerous weapon in the NFL. He projects as a quality NFL starter with the upside of Tee Higgins.

Last word from Nathan Cooper of Sports Info Solutions:

Thomas projects as a solid No. 2 receiver at the next level where he can use his speed as a vertical threat to take the top off of a defense. While he does need to learn an NFL route tree, the routes he did run consistently in college he ran really well. On 3rd downs, placing him on the outside where he can threaten the defense vertically is his best spot, but he can also slide inside as a big slot to stretch the seams. If asked to play special teams, he could be a strong member on most units given his speed and toughness as a receiver and blocker.

Prospect overview from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

Presents an appealing combination of size, length and speed with experience working inside and outside. Thomas will occasionally go through the motions as a route-runner, but the bend, athleticism and speed needed to get better are all in the toolbox. He’s elusive against press and can uncover quickly underneath, but he still needs to improve intermediate routes and play a little more physically when crowded to become well-rounded. Thomas rarely has issues generating separation deep and could be counted on as an NFL team’s designated deep guy early in his career. Thomas is unpolished but has projectable talent to become a WR1/2 in time.

Bottom line from Trevor Sikkema of PFF:

Thomas offers a good combination of size and speed to push the ball vertically down the sideline, demanding safeties stay rotated to his side. To truly unlock that kind of threat, he will need to show he can consistently beat press coverage. Offenses that like to push the ball will prioritize what he brings to the table in the top 50.

Jaguars fans, let us know your initial thoughts in the comments below!