Amazingly, the LSU Tigers continue to produce great wide receiver prospects. Malik Nabers was the No. 1, but Brian Thomas would have been the No. 1 just about anywhere else in the country. The sheer talent at LSU kept Thomas from breaking out his freshman and sophomore years, but his junior year was special, as he caught 17 touchdowns on 68 receptions for 1,177 yards (17.3 ypr).
Brian Thomas: Scouting Report
Thomas doesn’t have the route tree of the top prospects, as his speed and big play ability were enough to put up big numbers last season. He will need to improve in that area, but as he is, he is still a strong prospect. His drop rate was one of the best in the league while also getting plenty of deep passes, as his ability catching passes in traffic is great. As a 6’4” former basketball player who ran a 4.33 40 at the combine, teams will like what he can offer as a deep threat, but also what he could develop into a couple years down the line.
Mock Draft landing spots
Thomas has an extremely wide variety of landing spots in mock drafts this draft season. He’s also seen some hype since a strong combine, which has moved him up in mocks as we get closer to the big day. NFL.com’s Pete Schrager has one of the more respected mocks in media and has Thomas going to the Steelers at pick 20. Pro Football Focus has the Bills trading up with the Rams to grab him at pick 19. The Jaguars and Chargers have also seen hi mocked their way among others.
Fantasy football implications
Thomas could have some trouble right out of the gate as an NFL receiver, but as long as he can get snaps, he will have fantasy upside. But, with so many landing spot possibilities, much will depend on his new team. He’s someone I want in dynasty league to be sure, but his rookie season could be inconsistent.