How Will Jacksonville’s Top Wide Receiver Turn His Season Around?
When the Jaguars drafted Brian Thomas Jr. out of LSU in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they had big expectations and wanted immediate impact with quarterback Trevor Lawrence, being the Clemson alumnus's first drafted real weapon. LSU has also been known to produce great wide receivers in recent memory, such as superstars Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. Thomas did end up producing a great 2024 to remember, posting 1,282 yards with 10 touchdowns and earning himself a Pro Bowl nod. There were concerns from outsiders about whether Thomas could repeat his rookie success with a new head coach in Liam Coen and a different offensive scheme under Grant Udinski. In 2025, Thomas made those concerns a reality.
In the first seven games, Thomas has only racked up 365 yards and a measly one touchdown. His best game came in Week Six against the Seattle Seahawks, with 90 yards and his first touchdown of the season. The biggest issue we’ve seen with Thomas has been dropped passes in big moments, with six drops already this year, tying his entire rookie season in just seven games. Some critics say the Jaguars need to decrease his role in the offense until he can find his footing, but that may not be the best option for Jacksonville. Yes, decreasing his role will allow players like Travis Hunter and Parker Washington to get more targets and opportunities, but it won’t allow Thomas to get the opportunities to fix his mistakes in real time. At the end of the day, it will be up to Liam Coen and this Jaguars coaching staff to decide what the best route to take is for a struggling Thomas.
A breakout game for Hunter in Week Seven against the Los Angeles Rams proved that he deserves a larger role in the offense, and could come soon with the Jaguars expecting to cut opportunities for Thomas. If a poor performance from the former LSU wideout this season is truly from a supposed lack of effort, as many critics say, then it will be up to him to turn his season around. The Jaguars staff can only do so much to support him, with the right support to guide BTJ in the right direction. It will be Brian Thomas Jr.’s responsibility to prove to the league why he was one of the most dangerous wide receivers to face in 2024.
