After barely missing the playoffs the year prior, the Jacksonville Jaguars expected to bounce back in 2024. They didn't, and instead regressed, finishing 4-13. Things got so bad that the Jags ended up ousting head coach Doug Pederson when the season ended. That said, not everything was doom and gloom. There are a few bright spots, even if they were few and far between. One of them was then-rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
The 23rd overall pick in 2024, Thomas took the NFL by storm, registering 82 receptions for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns. Although he's coming off a disappointing year, he remains a pivotal piece of the Jacksonville offense, and it's fair to say that the Jags wouldn't change him if given the chance.
Conversely, several teams would love to land Thomas if they could. And that's precisely what the New Orleans do in a draft redo.
The Jaguars draft Ricky Paersall in do-over while Brian Thomas Jr. goes to the Saints
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports did a 2024 NFL Draft do-over and had Brian Thomas Jr. going to the New Orleans Saints at No. 14. With the former LSU Tiger off the table, the Jaguars select Ricky Pearsall with the 23rd overall selection. Here's the skinny.
"Pearsall has had truly rotten injury luck, including getting shot in the chest shortly before his rookie season," Pereles wrote. "In this hypothetical scenario, he's in Jacksonville and that episode -- and maybe the other injuries since -- never happen. When he's on the field, Paersall has flashed plenty of "wow" moments and produced some big games."
All things considered, Pearsall is a fine consolation prize. He's flashed when he's been available for the San Francisco 49ers. The trouble is that he's been unable to stay healthy, appearing in just 20 of 34 games the past two years. You could even make the case that the Niners locked up Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency because the former Florida Gator has failed to put it all together.
Then again, San Francisco is still counting on Pearsall to contribute next season. The expectation is that he's going to finally take off in Year 3, but he must prove that he can stay healthy.
On a related note, the Saints originally took Taliese Fuaga at No. 14. He's turned out to be a pretty good offensive tackle. However, the prospect of taking a receiver of Thomas' caliber was probably too good to pass up.
The draft do-over validates the Jaguars' trust in Brian Thomas Jr.
Nobody will deny that Brian Thomas Jr. left much to be desired in 2025. But despite his struggles, he would be highly coveted if the Jaguars made him available, something they don't plan on doing anytime soon, and understandably so.
Thomas has been working on cutting down on the drops that plagued them last year. Similarly, he's been honing his rapport with Trevor Lawrence, which wasn't great either. When you factor in that the Walker, Louisiana native is back at full strength after dealing with arm and ankle injuries last year, it's easy to see him once again giving defenses trouble like he did as a rookie.
Progress isn't linear, and players are bound to have setbacks. Brian Thomas Jr. just had one in 2025, but the Jaguars are confident he can once again be a playmaker.
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