The Jacksonville Jaguars are most definitely pleased with Brian Thomas Jr. He's entering just his second NFL season and has already established himself as one of the top receivers in the league. Heck, Pete Prisco of CBS Sports expects him to be even better in 2025 and join the upper echelon at the position. But as impressive as the former LSU Tiger has been and will be on game day, he'll have an even bigger impact off the field in Year 2.
Jaguars wide receiver coach Edgar Bennett recently heaped praise on Thomas, pointing out that he's been impressed with how the sophomore carries himself.
"I'm steady watching it and just getting more and more excited as for who he is, what he's about," Bennett said during a sitdown with Demetrius Harvey of the Florida-Times Union. "I was surprised, because when I first got here, people were telling me, as far as, you know, the way he carries himself, his demeanor, very quiet and confident. But on game day, he's different. He's different, and I love that about him. Saw that instantly."
Moreover, Thomas ready to take on a bigger leadership role.
"He's definitely taken more of a leadership approach and role, and he speaks up. And it's not just from a verbal standpoint, he also leads by example. And so that's another way he's helping the entire room," Bennett said.
Thomas has always had a reserved demeanor, letting his play speak for itself. However, it's exciting to see him step up in a leadership role. As one of the best players on the team, his fellow receivers listen when he speaks. The fact that the Louisiana native is willing to embrace extra responsibilities goes on to show that he's exceeded expectations since Jacksonville made him the 23rd overall selection.
Brian Thomas Jr. is poised to once again be a difference-maker for the Jaguars
Despite the fact that Brian Thomas Jr. was the fourth receiver taken in the 2024 draft, he's turned out to be the best of the bunch. As a rookie, he hauled in 82 catches for 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns. On top of that, the budding star was a Pro Bowl alternate and finished fourth in the voting for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Surprisingly, the best is yet to come.
Trevor Lawrence is back at quarterback after missing a good chunk of the 2024 season. His rapport with Thomas should be much better than it was last year. Playing with Dyami Brown and Travis Hunter will also leave him with more favorable matchups. But wait! There's more. The Jaguars will make a huge emphasis on running the ball, and opposing teams will have to bring extra defenders to the box. That will leave them with fewer players to contain the second-year wideout.
The bottom line is that Brian Thomas Jr. is poised to have another banner season, and nobody will bat an eye if he even joins the Offensive Player of the Year conversation. That's just how much of a game-changer he is.