Ourlads' Profile:
2024 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about BRIAN THOMAS JR.:
LSU | HT: 6027 | WT: 209 | 40 time: 4.33 | Arm: 3234 | Hand: 0934 | Wing: 7958
Junior entry, three-year starter. Earned second-team All-SEC and third-team All-America honors in 2023. A former 1,000-point scorer that turned down division one basketball offers out of high school more than doubled his career production in his final season with the Tigers. The tall, long, and flexible downfield target led FBS with 17 touchdowns, scoring in 10 of 13 games. He is the kind of playmaker who looks overly inviting to a passer. Tracks the deep ball with precision and control, he can go up and get it, and he shows excellent coordination near the boundary. He broke out at the right time and was a key part to the statistical season that led to quarterback Jayden Daniels winning the Heisman Trophy. He came down with several wins in contested situations in and near the end zone. There are some edges to the skill set that need more refining, but in a league of scoring and explosive plays, he can be a true number one. Coordination combined with radius can be lethal for defensive backs. Stays balanced when attacking the ball. Awareness of foot placement near boundaries created a lot of production. Silky smooth movement capabilities. Shows plus-flexion in his ankles and hips to bend and turn sharp. Can stop on a dime with a sudden turn toward the ball. Fast to turn upfield with the ball. Can break through cheap tackle attempts. Needs to play more physical. Lack of impact as a blocker and struggles against the jam look alarming at times. Needs to attack the ball with his hands more often to maximize his frame. Will show lateral stiffness post-catch. Needs extra space and time to build up to his top speed.
2023 Stats: 68-1177, 17.3 ypr, 17 TD. OSR:4/33. Draft projection: 1st round