Big Cat Country
How did C.J. Stroud, Bill Belichick, Dane Brugler and others react to the 23rd pick?
We’ve gathered Day 1 grades and reactions from several national media outlets to provide a fresh perspective on how the Jacksonville Jaguars fared in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
You can find all our coverage of the event at our Jaguars draft hub.
From Underdog Fantasy
Hayden Winks’s grade: A+
Before making this selection, the Jaguars added the equivalent to a second round pick by trading down from 16th overall. That’s already a major win for a team that has holes. On top of that, Thomas was major value compared to my board (#13) and fits perfectly into this offense. He’ll be given the Calvin Ridley role as a sideline vertical option during his rookie season while he develops a full route tree. He has the athleticism to be on the DK Metcalf arc and should open things up for Lawrence on downfield passing concepts.
“I like him a lot. I like guys that can really run,” former Jaguars offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said on their live draft show (timestamp: 2:36:20). “They desperately needed some guy to take the top off, and this guy can do it. One of every four catches was a touchdown last year, this guy is insane.”
Former NFL Colt McCoy was also on the show and loved the pick. He pointed out that Thomas Jr. is set up well because he’ll be able to learn so much from Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis.
The Athletic
Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman’s grade: A-
After losing receiver Calvin Ridley in free agency, the Jaguars needed a replacement who could stretch the field and develop into a No. 1 option for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Thomas might cover both needs. He’s got tremendous athletic ability and is capable of catching double-digit touchdown passes as a rookie.
“Thank God” were the first words out of Nate Tice’s mouth on their live draft show (timestamp: 3:19:00). “This is what I’ve been wanting the Jaguars to do since they’ve gotten Trevor- get an X!”
Robert Mays added, “I love this, even if it meant passing on the corner. They both compared Thomas Jr. to Brandon Aiyuk (as a prospect).
Bleacher Report
Brent Sobleski’s grade: C+
Thomas may not be viewed as a true No. 1 target as the others were for their respective teams. But the second-team All-SEC selection has the skill set to break games wide open with the way he can tilt the field to the offense’s advantage.
Trevor Lawrence certainly has weapons around him now. The quarterback will have to bring along the rookie, though.
“His top speed is off the charts,” Mike Renner said on their live draft show (timestamp: 3:10:40). “So his flying 20 — the last 20 yards of the 40-yard dash at the combine — was the exact same as Nate Wiggins and it was faster than Xavier Worthy’s, the fastest of...
