Brian Thomas Jr. joins elite company after head-turning outing for Jaguars in Week 7

Not many things have gone the way the Jacksonville Jaguars surely envisioned when the season began. However, they've had several bright spots. One of them is the amazing play of Brian Thomas Jr., who's had one of the best rookie seasons for a wide receiver in the last 20 years.

Thomas Jr. had five receptions for 89 yards with one touchdown in the 32-16 win over the New England Patriots in Week 7. His 58-yard catch was featured in highlight reels all weekend long.

The former LSU Tiger now has 30 receptions for 513 yards with four touchdowns for the season. Aside from being on pace to be the first-ever Jaguars receiver to cross the 1,000-yard mark as a rookie, he's joined some elite company along the way.

As the 33rd Team noted, Thomas became the fifth rookie receiver since 2000 to record 480+ yards and more than four touchdowns in his first seven games. The other four are Ja'Marr Chase, Odell Beckham Jr., Marques Colston, and A.J. Green.

Already, Thomas is just one touchdown away from tying Allen Hurns for the most by a Jaguars rookie receiver. Similarly, Justin Blackmon's 68 catches and 865 are within reach with 10 games to go in 2024, so there's a strong chance the Louisiana native will hold most meaningful records for a first-year wideout in team history by the end of the season.

But wait, there's more. Thomas is tied with Marvin Harrison Jr. for the most touchdowns by a rookie with four. Similarly, his 30 receptions are the second most behind former teammate Malik Naber's 39. This is to say that he's having a historic season from both a team and league perspective.

Brian Thomas Jr. has quickly become a playmaker for the Jaguars

Running back Tank Bigsby notwithstanding, Brian Thomas Jr. is the team's best skilled-position player seven weeks into the 2024 season. Following the win over the New England Patriots, head coach Doug Pederson had nothing but praise for him.

"Brian Thomas, I think each week he just keeps getting better and better," Pederson told the press corps. "He and Trevor have had a good connection going. There's something we got to continue to find ways to scheme him open. I thought Press did a nice job this weekend, doing that and getting him some balls down the field as well as Christian. Everybody had a hand so, but that's what it takes to win these games."

Thomas, for his part, says that he's pleased with how his connection with Trevor Lawrence has grown but says that he still has lots to learn.

"I still got a lot of development to do, still in my first year. I'm coming out there, practicing hard," Thomas said after the game. "Trying to go out there in the game and do the best I can, be the best that I can be, and just taking everything step by step, putting my best foot forward each and every game and getting better."

It's easy to forget it now, but the Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly showed interest in trading up in the first round of the 2024 draft to acquire either Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers. Ultimately, they instead moved down six spots, acquired extra assets, and selected Thomas at No. 23.

So far, the decision has looked great, as Thomas has gone on to become a mainstay of the Jags' offense.

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