Jaguars snag LSU's Thomas after losing Ridley in free agency

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The Jacksonville Jaguars selected LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 23rd overall.

Jacksonville traded back from No. 17 in a deal with the Minnesota Vikings and also received No. 167 and third- and fourth-round picks in the 2025 draft.

The Jaguars needed another premier pass-catcher for Trevor Lawrence after losing Calvin Ridley to the AFC South rival Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Thomas - the second LSU receiver off the board after Malik Nabers went sixth overall to the New York Giants - will join a receiver corps that contains free-agent addition Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, and Zay Jones.

The former Tigers star led the FBS with 17 touchdown catches in 2023.

Pre-draft profile

Thomas oozes potential. He has a good blend of deep speed, size, and raw talent that'll translate over to the next level. The LSU product should be able to make an impact from Year 1 as a vertical weapon, but his ceiling is a lot higher. His athleticism suggests that his route running could become a weapon despite his struggles with press and his limited route tree. A proven playmaker at LSU, Thomas exploded for 1,177 yards last season. There's good reason to believe that was just the tip of the iceberg.

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