Brian Thomas, Jr. (WR) – LSU / Junior
6’2-7/8″, 209 Lbs. (Combine)
2022 Stats: 13 Games, 31 Rec, 361 YDS, 11.6 YPR, 5 REC TDs
2023 Stats: 13 Games, 68 Rec, 1177 YDS, 17.3 YPR, 17 REC TDs
{Reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/brian-thomas-jr-1.html}
Awards:
Measurables (Combine):
| Hand | Arm | Wing |
| 9-3/4″ | 32-3/4″ | 79-5/8″ |
| 40-Dash | 10-Split | Vertical | Broad | 3-Cone | 20-Shuttle | Bench |
| 4.33 sec | 1.5 sec | 38.5″ | 10’6″ | *** | *** | *** |
RAS: 9.97
Games Watched: 2023 Vs. Texas A&M, 2023 Vs. Arkansas
PRO’S
Prototypical outside receiver. Thomas is a massive target with elite speed and great ball tracking ability. Thomas lived in the end zone in 2023, leading the nation with 17 receiving TDs. Thomas has shown he is a reliable target, his 78.2 reception percentage in 2023 is 3rd best amongst draft eligible WRs. Though Thomas is a lengthy receiver, he does not seem burdened by his size, moves very fluidly in and out of his breaks. Impressed with Thomas’s ability at his size to cut and evade contact in 1 on 1 situations after the catch. Thomas evades contact at the LOS well for a man his size.
CON’S
Would like to see Thomas be a little more physical with defenders at the catch point. With such a big frame, I’d expect Thomas to be able to box out defenders when high pointing the football. Though Thomas has great closing speed and ball tracking ability, Thomas does not create as much separation on vertical routes as I feel a player with his speed should. Thomas will need to work on expanding his route tree at the next level, route tree was limited at LSU.
OVERALL
Thomas has a rare combination of size and speed which makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in this class. Thomas’s ability to create separation/large passing windows should make him a favorite target of his future QB. Thomas spent 86.6% of his snaps in 2023 lined up out wide. Thomas’s 13.9 yard average depth per target ranked 11th amongst draft eligible WRs & his 2.61 yards per route run ranked 10th amongst draft eligible WRs. Thomas is another player that I expect to put on a show at the NFL combine (sub 4.4 40?) and could see his stock rise from a player expected to be picked in the 20-30 range to a player expected to be picked in the 10-20 range.
Completed by: @coachschepps, 01/16/24
Reviewed & edited: J. Clark, 01/16/24
