RADIO
For weeks of training camp, it was all quiet on the Brian Thomas Jr. front. The buzz is palpable in Jacksonville now.
Reports of the 23rd-overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft dominating defenders in practice are making their rounds on social media. It's not just because of his speed (4.33 40-yard dash). He's 6-foot-3 and registered a 38" vertical jump at the NFL Combine.
Below, we dive into Thomas Jr.'s fantasy football outlook and determine where you should select the Jaguars receiver in fantasy football drafts.
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Brian Thomas Jr. 2024 Fantasy Outlook
In essence, Brian Thomas Jr. was drafted to replace Calvin Ridley in the Jacksonville offense. While Ridley was a low-end WR2, he had 970 unrealized air yards and drew over 100 yards in defensive pass interference calls. Ridley was the WR14 in expected fantasy points per game (18.4), according to PlayerProfiler.
BTJ recorded 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns in his final season in Baton Rouge, playing opposite Malik Nabers. That's over 17 yards per reception. The deep ball is his forte. His quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, finished in the top 10 for deep ball pass attempts in both years under head coach Doug Pederson.
Trevor Lawrence goes DEEP to #Jaguars rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr. for a touchdown in team drills. Thomas burned #Bucs safety Tykee Smith. pic.twitter.com/Kr8Mnc3yrV
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) August 15, 2024
The Jaguars lead the league in vacated air yards (3,174) from 2023. Evan Engram and Christian Kirk should continue to swallow the short and intermediate targets. Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis are the new threats downfield.
Which Round Should You Draft Brian Thomas Jr. In Fantasy Football?
Fantasy managers are often drawn to the allure of rookie wide receivers, especially those selected in the first couple of rounds of the NFL Draft. Unlike past seasons, the cream of the crop is going very early. Marvin Harrison Jr. is a second-round pick. Nabers is selected in the fifth round.
Thomas Jr. isn't as expensive and may be overlooked in fantasy drafts. Rome Odunze (101 ADP), Ladd McConkey (121), Keon Coleman (126), and Thomas Jr. (129) are the cheap options. With an ADP in the 10th round, selecting Thomas Jr. should be a quick click. He could become a WR3 with weekly boom potential.
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