Jacksonville’s first-round 2024 NFL draft pick, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is up for the NFL’s Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award following his pro debut against Miami on Sunday, the league announced.
Thomas caught all four of his targets for 47 yards and the first touchdown of his NFL career in Week 1, a 14-yard, toe-tapping reception in the back of the end zone that gave the Jaguars a two-possession lead over the Dolphins in the second quarter.
It is somehow even crazier from the opposite endzone angle. https://t.co/jGcwBzdttw pic.twitter.com/QfBdybj3BY
— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) September 9, 2024
Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson commended Thomas for his showing after the game, which ended in a 20-17 loss for the Jaguars, suggesting Thomas was unbothered by the size of the stage that is performing in the NFL.
“I thought he did some good things,” Pederson said about Thomas’s performance after the loss. “[The] game is not too big for him, and great touchdown catch obviously there in the first half and did some good things. Played tough and physical in the run game, as well.”
Jacksonville selected Thomas No. 23 overall in April’s draft, coveting the big-bodied speedster following his breakout junior season with LSU in 2023 and stunning 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in March.
The 6-foot-3, 209-pound Thomas caught 68 passes for 1,177 yards and an FBS-leading 17 touchdowns in his final year of college football.
Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, Kansas City wide receiver Xavier Worthy, Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers and Tennessee return specialist/wide receiver Jha’Quan Jackson were nominated for Rookie of the Week alongside Thomas.
Fans can vote for one of these six players on www.nfl.com/rookies.