LSU Tigers wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is among the most ascending prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Thomas Jr. experienced a breakout season in 2023 by recording 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and a nation-leading 17 touchdowns. The Walker, Louisiana native averaged an explosive 17.3 yards per catch. It was quite the step forward for a receiver who totaled a forgettable 361 receiving yards the year prior.
Thomas Jr. is a vertical big-play threat waiting to happen. Rare speed and acceleration allow Thomas Jr. to take the top off opposing defenses. Those types of playmakers don't last long on draft weekend. With that in mind, we've identified three ideal team fits for Thomas Jr.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Will the Saints consider keeping Thomas Jr. in-state with the 14th overall selection? New Orleans' passing game needs to take a step forward and they're putting the pieces in place to achieve that goal. Former 49ers passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak is the new offensive coordinator. Kubiak is used to having terrific depth at the position.
Michael Thomas is scheduled for unrestricted free agency and won't be re-signing with the Saints. Both parties are interested in pursuing a fresh start. General manager Mickey Loomis must search for Thomas' replacement, one that better compliments Chris Olave. The Saints no longer have to force Thomas and Olave into the same offense. Allowing Olave to win underneath while Thomas Jr. stresses defenses vertically would ensure Kubiak has his entire offensive playbook available to him.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
The Jaguars were among the most disappointing teams throughout the 2023 campaign. The 2022 AFC South winner, Trevor Lawrence, and the Jaguars were expected to dominate the division. They crawled to a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs instead.
One of the more disappointing aspects of Jacksonville's offense was Calvin Ridley. Acquired to be Lawrence's dominant go-to target, Ridley was extremely inconsistent, finishing with 76 catches for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. Ridley was held to 40 or fewer receiving yards in nine appearances. Ridley will reach free agency in March and I'm not convinced the Jaguars are going to extend his contract. They'll need a like-for-like replacement if they're moving on. GM Trent Baalke could further invest in Lawrence by drafting Thomas Jr. with the No. 17 overall pick.
BUFFALO BILLS
Thomas Jr. to Buffalo with the No. 28 overall selection has been a popular mock draft selection. I'm no longer confident that Thomas Jr. is going to last until the latter portion of the first round, but the fit is too perfect to ignore the potential prospect-to-team match. Perhaps Bills general manager Brandon Beane aggressively moves up to ensure he lands Thomas Jr.
Gabe Davis played out the 2023 campaign on an expiring contract and is expected to land a more lucrative offer elsewhere. Stefon Diggs' future has become increasingly complicated in recent weeks. The soon-to-be 31-year-old Diggs is starting to exit the prime years of his career. Continuing to re-tool Josh Allen's pass-catching unit is critical to sustained success. Thomas Jr. would immediately fill Davis' field-stretching role.
