At this point, there aren't too many people who disagree with the claim that wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. had a rough 2025. One national analyst even brought out the analytical receipts when talking about BTJ's lack of effectiveness over the middle of the field last season.
Luckily, it's a new day and a new campaign in Jacksonville, Florida, and the Pro Bowl-calibur deep threat has plenty of supporters inside the building. One of these supporters should come as no surprise, as he's quite familiar with what it takes to prove your haters wrong.
Once upon a time, Jakobi Meyers was a young wideout in the NFL trying to find a team that would go all-in on him. Fortunately for him and the Jaguars, James Gladstone made a move to get Meyers in the building and ended up giving the former Las Vegas Raider a three-year, $60 million contract extension after only a few games.
So, it's safe to say that Meyers has seen the light at the end of the tunnel, and his recent comments at the Jags' organized team activities show that he believes BTJ is close to reaching the other side himself.
Jakobi Meyers believes no one will be able to stop Brian Thomas Jr. after he gets his bearings
While making himself available to the media, Meyers fielded a question about Thomas' growth at the end of last season. To specify, the report asked, "So, [Brian Thomas Jr.] continues to grow, and it's showing up here on the practice field. Did you see that at the end of last season? And how has he been different, if at all, this offseason?"
Without missing a beat, the senior in the wide receiver room replied, "He's been locked in. I think he's a smart dude. I don't think he gets enough credit for how smart he is, but he's [a] smart individual." Meyers continued, "So, I just think, the longer he's around the game, the more he's in his offense, the older he gets as a man, . . . [he's going] to get better and better. And, I think when [things] click for him, I really don't see how you stop him. But good luck to whoever trying."
I think Meyers' assessment, while possibly biased, is actually pretty accurate. BTJ is at his best when the Jaguars send him deep to stretch defenses and keep the safeties on their toes. In theory, this role could become a lot easier for Thomas while his teammates tear it up with underneath routes and drive-extending catches at the sticks.
As Thomas' fellow pass catchers excel during their second years within Lian Coen's system, the Walker, Louisiana native will have less heat on him as he plies his trade on the outside. Also, we can't forget that the front office went all-in on the running game this offseason, which will definitely force Jacksonville's opponents to bring a safety down every once in a while.
Once that happens, it'll be time for No. 7 to strike.
The positive stories coming out of OTAs show that the Jags are ready to prove they know how to handle the trials that come with success. As the squad's organized activities continue, I'm sure we'll hear more about BTJ's potential and how he'll be the ultimate chess piece in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns and beyond.
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