When the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Brian Thomas Jr. 23rd overall in 2024, they probably didn't think that he would shake the NFL as a rookie, but that's precisely what he went on to do. Expected to take his game to new heights in his second season, No. 7 instead struggled and became the subject of trade chatter.
But despite his disappointing performance, Jacksonville's confidence never wavered. Thomas is already repaying their trust with the best offseason program of his career. In fact, he's been so dominant that an NFL analyst isn't afraid to call him the team's biggest surprise of the offseason.
Brian Thomas Jr. is the Jaguars' biggest offseason surprise
ESPN drew up a list of the biggest surprises for each NFL Team in the aftermath of the Organized Team Activities. For the Jaguars, Michael DiRocco chose Brian Thomas Jr., noting that he's done a complete 180 after an underwhelming sophomore campaign. Here's the skinny.
"Thomas' 2025 season was a disappointment," DiRocco wrote. "He had 1,282 yards and 10 TDs as a rookie in 2024, but just 707 yards and two TDs last season, with ankle and shoulder injuries playing a role. In 2025, he has been the Jags' most impressive offensive player so far, and the chemistry between Trevor Lawrence and him -- especially on deep throws -- is the best it's been."
DiRocco continued, "He said a changed mindset and an emphasis on not overlooking small details in his preparation are the main reasons."
You have to give credit to Thomas for acknowledging that he didn't live up to expectations last year and needs to focus on the small things to become a bona fide No. 1 receiver. Specifically, the Walker, Louisiana native has put an emphasis on cutting down on drops, an issue that held him back last year.
Head coach Liam Coen, for his part, has talked about how Thomas has settled into his role on offense and how that's helped him improve. Similarly, his rapport with Trevor Lawrence is noticeably better, as the two have been connected throughout the offseason program.
The Jaguars should expect big things from Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. probably won't put up the kind of numbers he had as a rookie. Not because he's talented, but rather because the Jaguars are stacked at receiver. The 2024 first-round pick could be the top receiver in some games, but Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and Travis Hunter will also get their fair share of targets depending on weekly matchups.
Nevertheless, the Jacksonville offense will be hard to beat if Thomas can reach the level he had as a rookie. With him getting deep, he'll draw favorable matchups for his teammates and prevent opposing defenses from stacking the box.
It's also worth noting that since Thomas' dominant surge in the offseason program, he has no longer been the center of trade rumors. Some speculation may surface every now and then, but it would be hard to picture Jacksonville shopping the third-year receiver when he figures to be an important piece in their offensive puzzle.
Granted, there's still a long way to go, and Thomas' strong outing in the offseason program must carry over into training camp and later the regular season, but if he does get back on track, he could work his way back into the conversation of the best receivers in the NFL.
Add us as a preferred source on Google