Can Jacksonville’s Second-Year Receiver Repeat His Rookie Success?
When Jacksonville selected LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it was obvious that the team planned for him to be a major weapon surrounding veteran quarterback Trevor Lawrence. However, no one could have anticipated the explosive rookie season out of Thomas, despite being part of one of the worst offenses in 2024. Thomas finished the campaign with 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, leading him to earn his first career Pro Bowl nod. The Jaguars enter the 2025 season with new hope, including a new head coach and offensive coordinator. This raises some concerns among critics, questioning whether someone like Brian Thomas Jr. can repeat such a standout rookie season with so much change happening around him.
Many fear that Thomas could get hit with the sophomore slump, which is having a lackluster second season after a player does well in their rookie campaign. This has happened to Jaguars’ players before, such as former running back James Robinson failing to ever top his rookie statistics. Another example, although not a rookie, was Jaguars wide receiver Allen Robinson, who failed to eclipse his 2015 stats until he left Jacksonville for Chicago. However, if trends continue with recent LSU wide receiver alumni going in the first round, then Thomas should have nothing to worry about heading into his second season. Both Vikings veteran Justin Jefferson and Bengals standout Ja’Marr Chase put up fantastic numbers in both of their first two seasons, and have continued to do so after.
Although Thomas will have a new head coach in Liam Coen and a new offensive coordinator in Grant Udinski, his workload and opportunities should not have an impact change. Thomas is still the team’s top receiver on the depth chart, with the addition of two-way player Travis Hunter being second. Thomas will still get a majority of targets from Lawrence, although defenses will likely pair their top cornerbacks to cover Thomas. With a new offensive playbook led by Coen, who turned around the career of Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay with his playcalling abilities, there should be no doubt that Thomas can succeed, no matter the adversity thrown at him.
Thomas will start his sophomore season in Week One against the Carolina Panthers in Jacksonville. The team will likely be looking to create a rhythm with the new offensive playcalling and new teammates, giving Thomas an opportunity to show out early why he should not be doubted. Brian Thomas Jr. will also be expected to be one of the leaders of this team despite only being 22 years old, leading one of the youngest wide receiver rooms in the league. If the Jaguars want to improve over their 4-13 record just a year ago, then they will need to rely on guys like Thomas to have a great season.
