Jaguars snag LSU's Thomas after losing Ridley in free agency

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 23rd overall.

Jacksonville traded back from No. 17 in a deal with the Minnesota Vikings and also received No. 167 and third- and fourth-round picks in the 2025 draft.

The Jaguars needed another premier pass-catcher for Trevor Lawrence after losing Calvin Ridley to the AFC South rival Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Thomas - the second LSU receiver off the board after Malik Nabers went sixth overall to the New York Giants - will join a receiver corps that contains free-agent addition Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, and Zay Jones.

The former Tigers star led the FBS with 17 touchdown catches in 2023.

Pre-draft profile

Thomas oozes potential. He has a good blend of deep speed, size, and raw talent that'll translate over to the next level. The LSU product should be able to make an impact from Year 1 as a vertical weapon, but his ceiling is a lot higher. His athleticism suggests that his route running could become a weapon despite his struggles with press and his limited route tree. A proven playmaker at LSU, Thomas exploded for 1,177 yards last season. There's good reason to believe that was just the tip of the iceberg.