New York Giants Draft Prospect: WR Brian Thomas Jr.

Here's another potential receiver the Giants might consider later in the draft.

Author:
Brandon Olsen
Publish date:
Mar 17, 2024 6:00 PM EDT

In this story:

New York Giants

LSU Tigers

Brian Thomas Jr., WR

Height: 6’3”
Weight: 209 lbs.
Class: Junior
School: LSU

Brian Thomas Jr. was a four-star wide receiver in the 2021 recruiting class. He was the 89th-ranked player in the country on the composite, the 13th wide receiver, and the fourth-ranked player in Louisiana. The decision came down to LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas, but Thomas Jr. ultimately decided to stay closer to home with the LSU Tigers.

Strengths

Great size with elite length (89th percentile wingspan) and the catch radius to back it up
If he’s even, he’s leaving - already a pro at stacking DBs then torching them
Ball-tracking ability is NFL-ready. Over his shoulder, back-shoulder, high-pointing.
More fluid than most receivers his size
Better suited to work on the outside but can pop in to the slot
When he’s pressed, can scoot right past the jam
Manipulates defenders angles after the catch, destroys tackle angles with acceleration
Gets to a spot his QB can throw to during scramble drills
Lethal on slot fades - pops out of his release then hits the gas

View more draft prospect scouting profiles.

Weaknesses

Only one year of true production
Is going to need a lot of work as a route runner
Extremely limited route tree
Falls victim to a focus drop here and there
Not a ton of experience against press coverage, but long speed on that offense kept defenses honest.
Hasn’t yet figured out how to utilize route tempo - will be huge for someone with his burst
Might need to put on a little weight to help battle through contact at the catch-point and after the catch

Summary

Thomas Jr. is raw, but he’s shown enough to make a team believe in his ability to become a legitimate top option in their offense. His route-running will need plenty of work, but his ability to get over the top and create big plays, as well as be a quick pitch-and-catch option, gives him early playing ability with room to grow.

GRADE: 6.7