Brian Thomas Jr. gives Jaguars offense an element it hasn't had in a full decade

The Jacksonville Jaguars took wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of this year's draft because their offense had been missing a vertical element for years. Against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, the rookie wideout showed just how much of a deep threat he can be.

Down 7-3, the Jags were on their own 15-yard line when Trevor Lawrence connected with Thomas for an 82-yard catch that ended in the end zone. The touchdown reception put Jacksonville ahead 10-7 and gave the former LSU Tiger two catches for 93 yards for the game.

It was also the longest play the Jags had since 2015. If you think about it, that's nearly a decade ago, so it's fair to say that Thomas is living up to expectations. But as good as the Lousiana native has been, Lawrence has been equally efficient, completing 11 of 12 passes for 189 yards with 189 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. All things considered, this has been his best outing of the year and one that should give his confidence a boost.

On a related note, the Jags have been trying to get the running game going, toting the rock 11 times for 24 yards on their first three drives. The defense, for their part, gave up a touchdown on the Colts' first possession but limited them to just a field goal on their following three.

Indy also scored a touchdown to tie the game. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker then forced a fumbled and recover it to put Jacksonville within scoring defense. Although they able to reach the end zone, Cam Little made his second field goal of the day to make it 13-10 before halftime.

The Jaguars should feel great about drafting Brian Thomas Jr.

After losing Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans in free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars were in need of help at wide receiver. While they were reportedly interested in trading up to acquire one of the big three (Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, or Marvin Harrison Jr.), they instead chose to move down six spots in exchange for extra assets.

With the 23rd overall pick, Jacksonville selected Thomas. Following the draft, the team's brass told the local media that the former LSU standout was their top target and if he hadn't been available, they would've gone with cornerback Terrion Arnold. Looking back, the Jags should be thrilled Thomas was still on the board. After all, he's the team's most productive receiver.

In the first three games, Thomas reeled in 17 receptions for 275 yards with two touchdowns. At this pace, he will have no trouble crossing the 1,000-yard mark. Moreover, he should be an early candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Although the Jacksonville Jaguars aren't off to a great start to the 2024 season, Brian Thomas Jr. has been a bright spot, and if they end up turning things around, he will have played a huge role.

More Jaguars analysis here: