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Brian Thomas Jr. proud of rookie season with Jacksonville Jaguars, has eyes set on more
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- Brian Thomas Jr. proud of rookie season with Jacksonville Jaguars, has eyes set on more
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. had a singular goal when entering the league.
Greatness.
The standout pass catcher from LSU, who led the nation in touchdown receptions during his final collegiate season, knew he wanted to accomplish big things in the NFL .
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After a record-setting season with the Jaguars , setting new marks in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns and making the Pro Bowl as a rookie, he still feels like there are higher marks to aim for.
"I want to be the best," Thomas said during locker room cleanout after the regular season. "I know I still got more to come."
Brian Thomas proud of his rookie season, wants to accomplish more
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) reacts to his first down pickup during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Thomas was selected 23rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Jaguars . He marks the first early-round wide receiver the team has taken since drafting quarterback Trevor Lawrence in 2021.
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And he didn't disappoint.
Thomas started all 17 games for Jacksonville , recording 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished third in the league in receiving yards, only trailing LSU alums Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson .
Thomas thrived after being thrust into the team's top wideout role due to injuries. As five offensive starters, including Lawrence, tight end Evan Engram and receivers Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis missed time, Thomas took full advantage.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) hauls in a reception en route to a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars edged the Colts on a field goal 37-34. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Record Breaker: Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr. first rookie to hit 1,000 receiving yards in team history
"I'm super proud of what I came out and did this season, but I mean, it doesn't stop now," he said when asked about his accomplishments.
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Before being fired, former head coach Doug Pederson offered high praise for Thomas. Pederson said the benchmark was for him to be a player like Chase or Jefferson .
He said the Jaguars saw Thomas as a game-changer, again likening him to those players. Thomas got his first Pro Bowl nod this season as the first alternate for AFC receivers.
And this is all after only one season in the league.
Thomas started to garner more respect with injuries to Jaguars' offense
Thomas was asked when he noticed teams starting to respect his abilities more.
"More like when Christian and Gabe got hurt," he answered. "Around that time, teams was trying to take me away, or whatever."
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That's also around the time his production spiked. Through the final six games of the season, Thomas logged 10 or more targets in each game.
He hadn't logged 10 targets in a game before Dec. 1. That's the same game Lawrence was sidelined with a concussion and put on the injured reserve list three days later due to an AC joint in his left shoulder.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) catches a pass before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Two weeks prior, Davis sustained a season-ending injury. Kirk's injury occurred in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers .
As teams keyed in on Thomas, so did the Jaguars. They leaned on his ability to create explosive plays as they tried to navigate a turbulent end to the season.
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He rose to the occasion, reeling in 45 passes, 593 yards and five touchdowns over the final month and a half of the regular season.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) congratulates wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) on his touchdown score during the third quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Packers edged the Jaguars 30-27 on a last-second field goal. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
That includes a career-best 10 catches against the New York Jets and a career-best 132 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders .
Even after a taxing season, he said he'd be ready to play more games if he needed to. However, he understands that he has a lot of football under his belt since Organized Team Activities started last May.
"I know my body needs a break," he said. "Just know I need some time out to get healthy and just be ready to go for next season."
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Liam Coen's creativity could fare well for BTJ
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) reacts to his reception during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Thomas was asked about his reaction to Pederson's firing. He didn't have much of a reaction, moreso just well wishes for him.
"You hate to see somebody lose their job," he began. "Just wish him the best and thank him for everything he did for me. Just taking a chance on me."
Pederson was a big part of Thomas' breakout season. Because of his coaching style, he didn't frontload a lot onto Thomas' plate early in his career.
Pederson brought him along slowly, ensuring he wouldn't burn out or hit the "rookie wall" during the season. And once it was apparent that Thomas could handle more responsibility, he gave it to him.
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High Praise: Jacksonville Jaguars' Liam Coen confident offense can run through rookie Brian Thomas Jr.
The team even got creative in their targets, motioning him across the formation and utilizing his speed to create advantages for Jacksonville's offense.
It's something new head coach Liam Coen referenced when meeting with reporters shortly after his introductory press conference.
"I did not know he had the ability to do what he did in the slot," Coen said. "I didn't probably evaluate him hard enough, but also, they did a good job getting that right."
Coen was impressed with the versatility Thomas showed on tape and is likely already earmarking looks for the young route runner. Coen's creativity could unlock even more for one of the most dynamic players in the league.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (7) stiff arms Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during the third quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Browns defeated the Jaguars 18-13. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
And with their eyes set on turning around the trajectory of the franchise, how high they can rise is something to look forward to next fall.
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"[It] means a lot just being able to be a part of something like that," Thomas said. "Just wanted to come in and be the best that I could be."
Thomas and the AFC will compete in the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl on Sunday from Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. has one goal in mind to 'be the best'
