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Brian Thomas Jr. NFL Draft Scouting ReportDanny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Scouting Reports

Brian Thomas Jr. NFL Draft Scouting Report

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU     

Size:

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 209 pounds

Arm Length: 32 3/4"

Hand Size: 9 3/4"

Accomplishments:

  • 4-star recruit

“Brian Thomas Jr. is a big-play receiver who has proven to have the top-end speed and acceleration to be a productive vertical threat in the NFL.” 

Strengths:

  • Vertical speed

  • Tracking deep ball  

  • Catch radius 

Concerns:

  • Beating press-man  

  • Running entire route tree 

Film Analysis:

Brian Thomas Jr. emerged this year as an electric part of this LSU offense and proved to be one of college football's most explosive vertical threats, leading the nation in TD catches. At 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, he should not only be considered a red zone touchdown target but a big-play threat that can score from anywhere on the field. Thomas has deceptive speed and is a quick accelerator, which allows him to consistently beat defenders vertically. Thomas excels at running go routes, posts, and can beat deep safeties on double moves. 

Thomas is a receiver that can be versatile in alignment and works best against off-coverage. From the snap, Thomas is a quick accelerator. This acceleration helps set up his ability to win the route. On underneath routes, Thomas can get defensive backs to open their hips with the thought that he is going vertical then snap off the route underneath, effectively running curls and slants. On vertical routes, Thomas' speed appears to simply overwhelm defensive backs and he can outstride them creating separation between him and the defender on deep routes.

While Thomas has proven to be one of the more explosive players in college football, there are still parts of his game that need to be developed. Thomas appears to excel at running routes that are straight line: go balls, post, curls, etc. However, on routes that require him to sink his hips and work other portions of the field, there are times he will struggle to create separation. Also, it appears that Thomas needs development in his ability to beat press-man. Thomas is a big-bodied receiver but rarely uses strength to overpower press defenders. Once they can make contact with him at the line of scrimmage, they can stay in phase with him.  

Overall, Thomas has proven to be a high-end explosive playmaker with natural instincts for scoring touchdowns. With the right development to work on the details of the game, he has the size and speed to develop into a consistently productive receiver in the NFL. 

Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter

Written By: Keith Sanchez

Exposures: Florida State (2023), Ole Miss (2023), Alabama (2023), Florida (2023)

Brian Thomas Jr. NFL Draft Scouting Report

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