The 2024 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Brian Thomas 2024 NFL Draft Profile.
Brian Thomas Background
Position: Wide Receiver
School: LSU
Size: 6-foot-4, 205 pounds
Class: Junior
2023 stats: 68 receptions, 1,117 receiving yards, 17.3 yards per catch, 17 touchdown catches, 1 rush, -6 rushing yards
Thomas had a breakout season in 2023 that saw him shoot up draft boards. Now he is in the 2024 NFL Draft.
As a four-star recruit, Thomas decided to stay in the state of Louisiana and play for the Tigers. He played a little bit as a true freshman, registering 28 catches for 359 yards and two touchdowns. His production was similar in 2022, as he finished the season with 31 catches for 361 yards and five touchdowns. His play helped LSU win 10 games, including the SEC West. In 2023, Thomas really improved with 68 receptions for 1,117 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. He helped lead the team to a second-consecutive 10-win season.
Following the bowl game, Thomas declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a first-round pick.
Brian Thomas Strengths
Thomas has great height and length for the position. He stands at 6-foot-4, which helps him tower over defensive backs. Thomas puts his height to good use, as he has a huge catch radius. He can win 50/50 balls and is a red zone threat with his ability to high point the ball in a way most defensive backs can’t match.
His long speed is great, especially for his size. Thomas is a deep threat and can outrun plenty of defensive backs once he gets his legs moving. He is faster than much smaller players, helping him be a matchup nightmare. If he runs at his pro day or at the NFL Combine, his stock can improve even more. He also has good ball-tracking ability, helping his big play ability.
With his size and speed blend, Thomas is a threat to run after the catch. The way he wins after the catch is using decent field vision and then letting his speed takeover. He can turn simple short passes into big plays when given the chance.
Brian Thomas Weaknesses
Thomas needs to work on his route-running for the next level. His center of gravity is high when he is making cuts to get in and out of his breaks, which causes him to slip and stumble a lot. On top of that, he ran a limited route tree at LSU and will need to run more diversified routes at the NFL level.
While he is good at running after the catch, he isn’t the most elusive. He won’t constantly make defenders miss and is at his best when he catches then gets upfield immediately. Thomas has a tendency to catch the ball, then take a step or two back towards the line of scrimmage before making his move, which halts his momentum and sometimes can lose yards after the catch.
Adding weight to his frame will be a key for him. At just 205 pounds, Thomas has plenty of room to add to his frame which will help him fight off physical coverage. He has decent releases at the line of scrimmage, but can do a better job of using his hands to free himself. With added strength that becomes easier.
Projected Draft Range: First Round Pick
Draft Grade: First Round Pick
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