Jacksonville is pivoting the former first-round pick outside to weaponize his elite speed, aiming to ignite a vertical attack and move past last season’s drop-prone struggles.
Brian Thomas Jr. will play a new role in the Jacksonville Jaguars' offense as the "X" wide receiver, being used as a deep threat rather than over the middle.
Jacksonville learned Thomas' strength is using his 4.33 40-yard dash speed to unlock the deep passing game and make big plays. National NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe compared his role to Brandin Cooks and Sammy Watkins when they played for the Los Angeles Rams.
The Jaguars moving their third-year receiver to the outside may be what he needs to have a bounce-back season. He struggled with drops last season, being charged with eight, according to Pro Football Focus.
It played a significant role in a 500-yard regression from the 1,282 yards he hauled in his rookie season. He also dealt with a sprained ankle that sidelined him for three games.
General manager James Gladstone traded for Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders for much-needed receiver depth. Gladstone pointed out one reason he traded for Meyers, saying his superpower is not dropping the football.
Dropped passes weren't just a Thomas issue; it was a position issue. However, it doesn't help that he led the corps in that category.
A sophomore struggle fueled him to attack the offseason with intentionality, as coach Liam Coen said.
He worked on strengthening his hands. Thomas used the JUGS machine, jammed his hands into a bucket of sand and moved them around and caught tennis balls.
It was a complete mindset shift from when he came into the NFL as the 23rd overall pick in 2024.
"It's basically just growing up," Thomas told ESPN's Michael DiRocco. "I was young. Coming in, I just had to learn. Really, everybody's got to learn."
The results of his offseason work showed themselves across OTAs, minicamp and training camp. He and quarterback Trevor Lawrence have rebuilt their connection and are reviving the deep passing game.
In practice on Aug. 3, Thomas lined up against cornerback Montaric Brown. Running down the sideline, Lawrence placed the ball in his catch radius, and he made a difficult one-handed grab with Brown draped over him.
Those catches -- and connection -- are an encouraging sign for the Jaguars' offense. His receiver mates, Meyers and Parker Washington, thrived while he was mired in his struggles.
Being the "X" receiver doesn't mean he is Lawrence's primary target, but expect to see more plays featuring Coen using Thomas' speed to spread the defense and open the deep passing game.
