The Jacksonville Jaguars 2024 first-round pick of the NFL Draft looks like a slam dunk pick, with Brian Thomas Jr. securing the first 100-yard receiving game of his career.
The #23 pick out of LSU has made an immediate impact in Duval as a true force on the perimeter. BTJ's best start thus far came Sunday vs. the Colts, when he recorded five receptions on eight targets for 122 yards, including a highlight-reel 85-yard touchdown.
The 85-yard touchdown strike saw Thomas Jr. reach a top speed of 22.15 mph, the fastest speed eclipsed by a ball carrier this season and the highest speed achieved by a Jaguars ball carrier since 2016.
The 100-yard performance was the first Jaguar pass-catcher to eclipse triple digits in yards since Calvin Ridley in Week 18 of 2023.
The young explosive receiver has 22 receptions on 34 targets for 397 yards and three touchdowns. BTJ's 397 receiving yards are suitable for the 6th highest production from a receiver and first among rookies in the NFL through five weeks.
While the Jaguars struggled early in the year to identify a quantifiable offense identity, one thing is for sure: Brian Thomas Jr.'s increased role is paying dividends.
Since Week 3, BTJ has been averaging a 24% target share, 34% air yards share, and 24% targets per route run.
In the past two weeks, he has been unguardable:
- 17 targets (leads team)
- 11 receptions (leads team)
- 208 receiving yards (leads team)
- Two receiving touchdowns
Coming out of LSU, Thomas Jr.'s draft profile projected a prototypical NFL X-receiver who could stretch defenses vertically with tremendous speed and ball-tracking.
A knock on BTJ coming out of LSU was the extent of his route tree and his ability to create separation at the next level consistently.
The eye in the sky doesn't lie; since training camp, it is evident the rookie receiver has developed exponentially in his ability to run the complete route tree and create separation on the perimeter.
It is safe to say that the Jacksonville Jaguars found themselves a franchise receiver to build around for years to come.