Brian Thomas Jr. posted modest numbers in his first two seasons until he exploded onto the scene this past year with a 33% dominator rating at 21 years old.
Standing tall at 6'4" and weighing 205 lbs, Thomas Jr. combines size and speed, evident in his 4.47-second 40-yard dash, to be a formidable boundary X-receiver. Over 38 games in college, he showcased his ability to be a game-changer, culminating in a junior year where he exploded onto the scene with 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and FBS leading 17 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 17.3 yards per catch. The obvious concern are that he's never been the focal point of his team's passing game, which won't get easier at the next level. That's despite a high production he has earned as he boasts the 6th-highest college dominator rating in the class at 24%. And he's competed for targets with another elite WR, Malik Nabers while playing at LSU. The Jaguars drafted him in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. If the former LSU WR can absorb the role vacated by Calvin Ridley - nearly 1,800 air yards, 22.5% target share, 36% air yards share, NFL leader in EZ targets, WR10 in expected fantasy points per game - Thomas will be one of the best rookies WR targets in fantasy football. However, this might be accompanied by a lack of consistency - given that Thomas doesn't project to be a target alpha in an offense with so many playmakers. But there's high-end splash week potential with Thomas in Jacksonville.
by in FantasyMay 2, 2024