Jacksonville’s offense has not met its expectations to begin the 2024 season. However, the unit has one feature it can write home about through two games: The immediate ascension of rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Thomas ranks No. 3 among all rookie offensive skill players this year with 141 receiving yards — No. 2 when weighed against wide receivers only — and his 23.5 yards per reception rank No. 4, per Stathead.
His 66-yard catch and run against Cleveland in Week 2 is the longest play from scrimmage by a rookie yet this season.
Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor on Friday said Thomas’ immediate production to begin his NFL career marks proof that he belongs in the league.
“I think he’s proven he belongs. He’s proven that the moment’s not too big for him,” Taylor described Thomas’ performance thus far. “He’s done well against good players. That’s what we anticipated from him, but it is exciting to see.”
Per Pro Football Focus, Thomas caught two passes against former All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer and one apiece versus cornerback Kendall Fuller and linebacker David Long Jr. when Jacksonville faced Miami in Week 1, combining for 47 yards and the first touchdown of his career, scored with Poyer in primary coverage.
Last week versus Cleveland, Thomas logged his 66-yard grab against former first-round NFL draft pick Greg Newsome II and a 28-yard catch while matched up with 2023 Pro Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
Thomas paces Jacksonville receivers in yards and touchdowns this season, having caught quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s lone scoring throw, and is tied with Gabe Davis in receptions, over eight targets compared to Davis’ 10.
But while Taylor is impressed by what Thomas has done for the Jaguars’ offense through two games, he suggested the rookie still has development to do in order to become a more consistent player.
“Then again, like I’ve always said, I think there’s so much ahead for him,” Taylor expressed.
“Just how he’s going to grow each and every week. We’ve played two games. We’ve played 100 snaps. So, I think his future’s bright, and I think he’s going to grow right along with the offense, just being consistent down-in and down-out.”
Another big, perhaps more involved showing from Thomas could generate the boost the Jaguars (0-2) need for a win when they take on the Bills (2-0) in Buffalo for Monday Night Football in Week 3.