3 Winners, 3 losers from Jaguars selection of Brian Thomas Jr. in 2024 NFL Draft
• Here are 3 players (or staff) who'll benefit from his arrival
• There are also 3 who were affected
The Jacksonville Jaguars had clear needs but not a pressing one ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. That gave them the flexibility to take different routes in the first round. Ultimately, they chose to select LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. after making a trade with the Minnesota Vikings to move down six spots.
Thomas wasn't among the top receiver prospects of the class but he was no slouch either. He had a first-round grade, so taking him at No. 23 doesn't look like a reach. Although he didn't put up great two numbers in his first two collegiate seasons, he had a breakout year in 2023, hauling 68 receptions for 1,177 yards with 17 touchdowns. Moreover, he caught 15 receptions on 22 targets that went for 20 yards or more, and 12 of them ended in a trip to the end zone.
Brian Thomas Jr. on 20+ yard throws in 2023:
— PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) April 26, 2024
22 targets
15 receptions
670 yards
12 TDs
🚀 pic.twitter.com/j7c1nzVQ9E
To summarize, the Jaguars got a deep threat that will help them put points on the scoreboard, but who'll benefit most from his arrival? Who may be affected? Here are three winners and three losers.
Jaguars Winner No. 1 Trevor Lawrence
The Jaguars had a wide array of weapons on offense but they were missing a WR1 after losing Calvin Ridley in free agency. Instead of trading for an established veteran, they took Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall selection.
In Thomas, Trevor Lawrence gets a speedster who can stretch the field and draw coverage away from his teammates. Following the conclusion of the first round, general manager Trent Baalke shared the reasoning for drafting the Louisiana native.
" He's an explosive athlete, he can help open up the field a little bit. Certainly, a younger receiver for Trevor to build around, and our offense to build around. So there were a lot of positives to the pick. A lot of time and energy went into it, so feel good about where we're at."
Building chemistry with Lawrence must be a priority for Thomas in training camp. He won't probably get lots of playing time early in his rookie season but that connection could help him earn more targets as the season progresses.