Name: Brian Thomas Jr.
Position: Wide receiver
School: LSU
Ht/Wt: 6-3, 209
40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds
Bench: 11 reps
Vertical: 38.5 inches
Broad: 10-foot-6
3-cone: Did not run
20-yard shuttle: Did not run
View photos of NFL prospect Brian Thomas Jr.
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) breaks away from Grambling State for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) waits for a play to start during an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) carries in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) stretches to break the plane of the end zone for a touchdown against Georgia State cornerback Bryquice Brown (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) carries on a touchdown reception past Army defensive back Cameron Jones (10) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) attempts to evade a tackle by Mississippi State safety Corey Ellington (10) after catching a pass during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. LSU won 41-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) catches a touchdown pass over Mississippi cornerback Zamari Walton (6) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Mississippi 55-49. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) pulls in a touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) grabs a touchdown pass over Mississippi defensive back Deantre Prince (7) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) breaks free from New Mexico safety Benji Johnson (16) for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) carries on a long touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. LSU won 38-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) scores a touchdown against UAB cornerback Colby Dempsey (33) in a near empty stadium during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) attempts a reception against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) catches a ball as Texas A&M defensive back Tyreek Chappell (7) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) runs during an NCAA football game against New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
How he fits: The Detroit Lions could certainly be in the market to add to the wide receiver room in this NFL Draft and Thomas could be someone who fits the profile of what they are looking for as he possesses both size and speed.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams enter 2024 as the No. 1 and No. 2 at the position, with Kalif Raymond, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Antoine Green and others expected to provide depth, but the loss of Josh Reynolds in free agency (Denver) takes some size out of that room.
Thomas led the FBS with 17 touchdown catches last season, the most in college football since DeVonta Smith's 23 in 2020. He played in all 13 games and had 68 catches for 1,177 yards and averaged 17.3 yards per reception. He would provide Detroit with another deep-threat and red zone weapon on the outside opposite Williams. Thomas played 87.2 percent of his career snaps on the outside, per The Athletic.
Adding a player like Thomas would give Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson a lot of options offensively in the pass game to go along with St. Brown, Williams, tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Key observations: Thomas and fellow wide receiver Malik Nabers became just the third pair of LSU receivers to reach 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, joining Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson in 2019 and Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry in 2013. All four of the previous players to accomplish the feat have had stellar NFL careers.
What they had to say about him: "Overall, Thomas plays with impressive length, fluid speed and ball-winning athleticism. If his route efficiency catches up with his natural talent, he will be a dangerous weapon in the NFL. He projects as a quality NFL starter with the upside of Tee Higgins." - Dane Brugler, The Athletic
View photos of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Central Florida wide receiver Javon Baker (1) scores a touchdown on a 65-yard pass play during the first half of an NCAA football game against Baylor on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Central Florida wide receiver Javon Baker (1) breaks away from Baylor cornerback Tevin Williams III, left, after catching a pass during the second half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton (3) grabs a touchdown reception against Texas during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton (3) steps out of an attempted tackle by Texas A&M defensive back Bryce Anderson (1) before scoring a touchdown in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) runs past Florida linebacker Scooby Williams, left, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) runs for a touchdown after a catch against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley (11) carries the ball against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Western Kentucky receiver Malachi Corley, right, runs after a catch as Ohio State defensive back Jordan Hancock defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) carries the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Oregon wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) carries a reception for a touchdown against Oregon State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Mark Ylen)
Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. plays against Michigan State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)
Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 30-24. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) runs up the sideline for a first down past Kentucky defensive back Jordan Lovett (25) during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) returns a kickoff during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)
Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) dives for a touchdown past Florida State defensive back Quindarrius Jones (16) in the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) runs against Florida after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan (11) makes a touchdown catch against Texas during the second half of the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Washington wide receiver Jalen McMillan runs against Michigan during the first half of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell runs a route during the first half of an NCAA college football game between TCU and Texas, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. Texas won 29-26. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Texas wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) runs past Kansas linebacker Craig Young (15) after a catch during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) crosses the goal line for a touchdown on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze (1) makes a catch for a touchdown against Utah cornerback JaTravis Broughton (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Seattle. Washington won 35-28. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, left, stiff-arms Southern California linebacker Mason Cobb during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) tires to get past Vanderbilt cornerback Trudell Berry (30) after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall runs after a reception during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Washington wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk runs against Michigan during the first half of the national championship NCAA College Football Playoff game Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Washington wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (2) plays against Texas during the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) carries in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (11) breaks away from Grambling State for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker (9) catches a pass while covered by Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker (9) runs for a touchdown following a reception during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson (1) makes a leaping catch during the second half in the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game against Alabama, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson (1) celebrates a first-down reception against Purdue in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Texas' Xavier Worthy (1) avoids a tackle by Texas Tech Henry Teeter during a punt return in the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) makes a catch while covered by Washington cornerback Elijah Jackson (25) during the Sugar Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
How he stacks up: Brugler lists Thomas as the No. 14 overall prospect in his ranking of the Top 100 players available in this class and the No. 4 wide receiver available behind Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), Nabers (LSU) and Rome Odunze (Washington).
NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Thomas ranked No. 16 in his latest Top 50 players.
ESPN's Matt Miller lists Thomas as his No. 17 overall prospect.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. lists him at No. 18 on his latest Big Board and also as the No. 4 wide receiver in the class.
ESPN insider Field Yates recently updated his Top 50 players in the draft and Thomas comes in at No. 19. ESPN analyst Jordan Reid has him at No. 22.
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks lists Thomas as the fifth best receiver in the class behind Harrison, Odunze, Nabers and Keon Coleman (Florida State).
What he had to say: "I would say just being able to pick up on coverages, decipher what coverage the defense is in, and picking up on things fast, picking up on plays and stuff," Thomas said at the Combine when asked about the things he does best on the football field.
