The Jacksonville Jaguars have drafted five receivers in the first round of the NFL draft in team history.
The problem is that none of them reached 2,500 receiving yards. That is the trend for Jaguars wide receivers, but this time, they feel different about Brian Thomas Jr.
They believe that the 23rd overall draft pick of 2024 is good enough to trust to lead the team in a different direction, so they are investing in him as early as now.
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The Associated Press reported that the two camps agreed to a 4-year deal worth around $14.6M with a $7.5 million. The deal also comes with a club option for the fifth year.
The deal Thomas received is the fourth highest among rookie wide receiver contracts.
The Jaguars' wide receiver history is not ideal. However, it has been 12 years since they drafted a WR in the first round.
The 21-year-old has analysts raving ahead of their April draft proper.
Coming off a successful stint with the LSU Tigers, he is regarded as someone who can instantly contribute as a professional.
He led the Football Bowl Subdivision in touchdown catches in 2023 and was named to the All-SEC Football Team in the same year.
He is particularly commended for his excellent acceleration speed and for being a vertical threat. He is 6'3, but he can navigate the field and be shifty despite his frame.
OC, GM, raving about Thomas Jr.
While the investment has people looking at the Jaguars' history with first-round wide receivers, the front office and head coaches are looking forward.
They think Thomas Jr. is an asset that can work well with quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
The duo is predicted to be a problem for the opposing team's defense.
Analysts think the rookie's physicality sets him apart, but Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor is more impressed by his football I.Q.
"You see obviously the intelligence, the quick twitch, the long speed show up throughout our practices as we go through things or even routes on air," he said last week.
"He is a guy that's very easy to communicate with because he's intelligent. Football comes naturally to him. Learning, picturing concepts, understanding routes, how we're attacking certain coverages. You see his growth every day, which is fun to see."
General manager Trent Baalke is especially bullish about what he can do with Lawrence as his play-caller and even hinted that he could be someone they can build their offense around.
"He's an explosive athlete. He can help open up the field a little bit," he said.
"He's certainly a younger receiver for Trevor to build around and our offense to build around."
The Jacksonville Jaguars are banking on their young players to bring them back to the playoffs.
After a four-year absence, the Eagles reached the postseason in 2022 but finished with a 9-8 record in 2023, just good enough for second place in the AFC South.
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