Big Cat Country
Jaguars rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr. balled out in 2024 and is now rated as one of the top NFL players under the age of 25.
The 2024 NFL Draft was incredibly talent-rich at the top of the wide receiver class. Even if you did not land the one of the top two players at the position, multiple teams were still able to land a rookie who managed to go over the 1,000-yard threshold as a rookie.
Jacksonville was among that latter group as they hit an absolute home run with Brian Thomas Jr. whom they selected with the 23rd overall pick. As a rookie, Thomas hauled in 87 receptions for 1,282 yards (third most in the NFL in 2024) and 10 touchdowns. He also toted the rock six times for 48. That also earned him a a spot in the Pro Bowl and on the All-Rookie Team by the Pro Football Writers of America.
This offseason, Thomas continues to see his spotlight grow. In a new article posted by the folks at Pro Football Focus, BTJ was named as one of the league’s top 25 players under the age of 25. He came in at 20th, just behind the Chargers’ Ladd McConkey as the list’s fifth wide receiver overall.
“Thomas led all rookies in receiving yards in the 2024 regular season (1,282) and ranked third in the entire league,” says analyst Jonathon Macri. “He emerged as a top weapon and the Jaguars’ most valuable player, according to PFF WAR.”
“The first-round pick did finish with a higher PFF overall grade in the regular season than Ladd McConkey, but the one massive playoff game for the Chargers’ top wide receiver puts him ahead for now. Still, both players put together incredibly promising rookie seasons to earn spots on this list.”
What do you all think about Thomas’ placement on this list? Do you agree with the reasoning behind his ranking? Should he be higher? Lower? Let us know all of your thoughts below!
