LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. Dazzles at NFL Combine, Takes Formal Meetings
LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. stole the show during last week's NFL Scouting Combine after putting together a variation of impressive numbers.
During the 2023 season, Thomas led Division I with a whopping 17 receiving touchdowns on his way to leading a dynamic LSU offense.
Alongside Malik Nabers, Thomas Jr. helped quarterback Jayden Daniels on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy.
The 6-foot-3, 209-pound receiver out of Walker, LA has continued hitting his stride, and after piecing together an 1,100 yard season during his junior campaign, Thomas has officially entered the first round draft selection conversation.
Thomas met with several organizations including the Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers and the New England Patriots, among others.
The Combine Numbers:
40 Yard Dash: 4.33
10 Yard Split: 1.50
Vertical: 38.50″
Broad: 10’6″
What Thomas said of his meeting with the Buffalo Bills:
"We were just talking a lot of football, talking about his time at LSU," Thomas Jr. said during media availability during the combine. "I think I would fit very well in the Bills offense. Joe Brady, just him being at LSU during that time, I liked his offense so I feel like I would fit pretty good in that offense."
Here's what Bleacher Nation had to say when scouting Thomas:
"Thomas is a pass-catcher with a tall and tapered frame who is explosive and dangerous. He has an average of 17.3 yards per catch in 2023 and can easily cover the field on vertical routes with his sudden burst and long strides. Thomas has excellent timing on post and corner routes, which helps him throw off defensive backs and catch the ball beautifully over his shoulder. He caught the most touchdowns in the FBS in 2023, with 17.
Thomas is elusive and can juke, turn, and accelerate away from defenders after the catch. His speed is respected by opponents, which helps him have success on comebacks and hook routes. Although he was mainly used as a vertical field-tilter and wasn’t asked to run a super diverse route tree, he has the vision to make plays in space and was utilized on sweeps and end-arounds.
However, there are areas where Thomas needs improvement. He is unrefined as a route runner and sometimes shows his hands early, alerting trailing defenders to the pass. He can get caught up in the trash over the middle of the field and thrown off his routes. Thomas will need to be more disciplined in navigating traffic and avoid loafing when the play wasn’t designed to go his way, running his routes at half speed."
