There was ample optimism surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars before the regular season. After all, they had revamped the coaching staff and the roster. Moreover, many of the players who had a role in the 2022 turnaround were still around, so it was reasonable to think that they would be able to bounce back. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case. The Jags are currently 2-9 and without a realistic chance to turn things around. Then again, not everything has been doom and gloom.
While the Jaguars have struggled as a team, they have had several impressive individual performances. Of the bunch, rookie Brian Thomas Jr. is probably the most notable one. Although he was the fourth receiver taken in the 2024 NFL Draft, he's turned out to be the most productive of the bunch. In fact, he recently got lots of praise.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report recently discussed the hits and misses from the 2024 NFL Draft class and gave him a glowing review, pointing out that the former LSU Tiger has quickly become Trevor Lawrence's most trusted target.
"This year's 23rd overall draft pick leads all rookie wide receivers with 689 receiving yards. Unsurprisingly, his average of 16.4 yards per catch leads all receivers with 40 or more catches by nearly a full yard.
The 6'3", 209-pounder with 4.33-second 40-yard-dash speed is already Trevor Lawrence's favorite option. It's a promising connection, even during what's become a lost season.
At this point, Thomas has surpassed expectations, as well as the play of others who were drafted higher and arrived with more fanfare."
Along with Thomas, Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, Xavier Worthy, Xavier Legette, and Keon Coleman were listed as hits. Meanwhile, Marvin Harrison Jr., Ladd McConkey, and Ja'Lynn Polk were considered misses.
As Sobleski points out, Thomas leads all receivers in yards, and that's because first-year tight end Brock Bowers is currently No. 1 in that category in the NFL.
Brock Bowers is special☠️ https://t.co/wryXyeo0NJ pic.twitter.com/b1lpWY347x
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) November 19, 2024
As recently as Week 8, Thomas was leading the league in yards but fell out of pace after barely being targeted in the losses to the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles. The silver lining is that the Jags realized they needed to feed the Lousiana native and did just that in the humiliation against the Chicago Bears, where he hauled in five receptions for 82 yards.
Yes, the Jaguars lost by a million....
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) November 18, 2024
But the Brian Thomas tape is so good.
I remember when he "only" ran go routes. pic.twitter.com/FMdJzImywc
Heading into Week 13, Thomas has 42 catches for 689 yards with five touchdowns. He's on pace to become the first Jaguars rookie receiver to cross the 1,000-yard mark and has given the offense an element of verticality it had sorely needed for years.
Brian Thomas Jr. gives the Jaguars a true No. 1 receiver for years to come
It's uncertain if general manager Trent Baalke will remain with the Jacksonville Jaguars beyond 2024. He's currently on the hot seat due to his inability to put together a championship-caliber roster and the team's lackluster record. Having said that, he deserves credit for drafting Brian Thomas Jr.
After all, Thomas was projected to go in the first round but wasn't as nearly highly regarded as the big 3: Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze.
There were reports during the draft process that the Jaguars were considering moving up to either land Nabers or Oduzne but ultimately opted against it and instead moved down six spots and drafted Thomas. It worked out perfectly. Apart from landing a WR1 receiver, Baalke got three extra selections two in 2024 and one in 2025.
It's possible that the Jacksonville Jaguars will clean house in 2025, but whoever comes won't have to worry about getting Trevor Lawrence a bonafide No. 1 receiver.