Brian Thomas Jr was the fourth wide receiver selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Thomas with the 23rd overall pick in the draft. Here is what to expect from Brian Thomas Jr in his rookie season and how it will affect fantasy football.
Brian Thomas, Jr. Fantasy Football Outlook for 2024
Brian Thomas Jr Collegiate Career
Brian Thomas Jr played all three years of his collegiate career with the LSU Tigers. In his first two seasons, Brian Thomas showed flashes of greatness but didn’t put up the stats to show it. Heading into his third year, Thomas had a lot to prove he could be a top draft prospect. Thomas did just that as he had over 1,100 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns while still being the wide receiver two on the team.
Even with competition for targets with Malik Nabers, Thomas was still able to have an incredible year. Thomas declared for the 2024 NFL draft and tried to boost his draft stock at the 2024 NFL combine. He measured in at 6’3 210lbs and ran a 4.33 40-yard dash. Thomas looked like one of the most athletic players in the class and was projected to be a first-round pick.
Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars held the 17th pick in the NFL draft but decided to trade back to 23 to pick up extra draft capital. With the 23rd pick, the Jaguars selected Brian Thomas Jr. The Jaguars decided to get Trevor Lawrence an insane athlete to throw the ball to.
Fantasy Football Outlook
At first, I was not a big fan of this pick for both sides. The Jaguars signed Gabe Davis during the offseason to go along with Zay Jones and Christan Kirk, which would make Thomas the WR4 to start the season. This would make Brian Thomas a non-factor in fantasy football.
Today it was announced that the Jaguars were releasing Zay Jones, which completely changed my mind about Brian Thomas Jr. With the departure of Jones, Thomas immediately slots into the WR3 role in one of the most pass-heavy offenses in the NFL. With his crazy athleticism, I believe he can surpass Gabe Davis for the WR2 role during his rookie season.
Now the question is how Brian Thomas will affect fantasy football. Currently, FantasyPros has Brian Thomas listed at 129 on their big board which makes him the 51st wide receiver on their board. This would mean he is projected to be an 11th-round selection. With the departure of Zay Jones, I would imagine Thomas will move into the top 110 which would make him around a ninth-round pick in twelve-team formats. If his stock stays around the ninth round I would stash Thomas to be a weekly flex play with the chance to be a top wide receiver two by the end of his rookie season.
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