Brian Thomas Jr. — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

Miami elects to build on a strength. I could see Thomas going much higher than 21st in the draft, but Tua Tagovailoa reaps the benefit in this scenario. Thomas gives the Dolphins some size -- without sacrificing speed -- alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Just over a month ago, my comment right here for your Buffalo Bills; "Has the Bills' playoff run already begun? Josh Allen used the phrase 'survive and advance' following his team's huge win at Arrowhead."

Well, I wouldn't call myself a savant, but the 5-game winning streak that landed the Bills the second seed in the AFC led to a fairly easy win against the Steelers. Josh Allen looked like the superstar QB he almost always is in big spots, including a breathtaking 52-yard scamper for a touchdown. What was even more impressive was his consistent patience. He took what was given to him throughout the game with pinpoint accuracy in the short-to-intermediate range while hitting on big plays when he needed to (the dime to Dalton Kincaid for a TD comes to mind). If Allen plays like he did on Monday, this team could win the Super Bowl. Not only is that statement not hyperbole, it's not even farfetched. What we all witnessed from him against the Steelers, and for the last three quarters against Miami, was greatness, and greatness wins Super Bowls.

That was the good news. The bad news? Buffalo is about to play Patrick Mahomes, possibly the only quarterback better than 17 in the NFL, and, as of Wednesday, the Bills' top 4 CBs and top 4 LBs did not practice. Now, Matt Milano and Tre White have been out for months, but you're still missing six players that either started or were key reserves against Miami just two weeks ago. Without Douglas, Johnson, Benford, Bernard, Dodson, and Spector, a win on Sunday would be quite a feat. We hope the Bills can heal up. If not, Joshua is going to need more than one cape.

Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are still playing at a high level, but Evans is playing out his contract. In the event he is not re-signed, the Buccaneers may look to replace him through the draft. Brian Thomas Jr. is a unique combination of height, weight and speed.

If Tee Higgins bolts in free agency, another sizable and athletic wideout would be sensible for the Bengals offense.

There have been some questions about Diontae Johnson's future, and the Steelers land a playmaking wide receiver in Brian Thomas Jr.

The Jaguars need long-term help at multiple positions, and it wouldn't be a surprise if this pick addresses the defensive or offensive line. But adding another playmaker is as good a plan as any.

Thomas is an outstanding size/speed athlete with a basketball background and huge upside. By the time April rolls around, he might not be an option outside of the top 15.

Although Brian Thomas Jr. played second-fiddle to Nabers this fall, and rightly so, his unique combination of size and speed should sway a team to turn in his draft card on day one. He'd immediately become WR2 in Buffalo opposite of Stefon Diggs and would present another dynamic target for Josh Allen to feed early and often. More nuance is needed off the line of scrimmage in tempoing his route-running against different leverages/depths, but the fundamental talent/production is fantastic. Love the team fit as well.

The second LSU receiver of the first round, Brian Thomas Jr. can combine his size and speed as the next top vertical threat for the Kansas City Chiefs immediately. Thomas Jr.'s value likely skyrockets with the run on receivers in this mock draft, but he's every bit of a potential first-round player.

The second half of one of the only two pairs of teammates to go for over 1,000 yards in college this past season, Thomas has a full route tree and incredible hands at the catch point. He's also an underrated after-the-catch threat to boot.

The Chiefs have one wide receiver on their current roster who doesn't force Patrick Mahomes to constantly turn water into wine, and that's Rashee Rice. Thomas' physical gifts are off the charts. He's 6-foot-4 and can hit 22 mph on the GPS. Thomas is a big-bodied vertical threat who has only scratched the surface of his potential.

The Kansas City Chiefs almost *have* to select a receiver in Round 1, given how poorly this season went for them on offense.

Rashee Rice is a nice inside-outside receiver, but the Chiefs need more size and athleticism. Brian Thomas Jr. would be a fantastic fit after recording nearly 1,200 yards in his junior season at LSU. Standing at 6-foot-5, 200 pounds, Thomas would give Patrick Mahomes the vertical threat he's been missing all year.

The Jaguars need to retool the interior of their offensive line, but I think they can accomplish that on Day 2 of the draft. If they lose Calvin Ridley in free agency, that will open up a key spot on their wide receiver depth chart.

Enter Brian Thomas Jr., who can flat out fly. He's got length, tracking and body control to excel as a consistent vertical threat. He averaged 18 yards per reception last season while hauling in 15 touchdowns.

Stefon Diggs remains great, but Buffalo's lack of targets curtailed his route tree and limited the downfield routes where he excels; his 7.3 yards before catch in 2023 was his lowest as a Bill and more than two yards shorter than in 2022. This team needs additional help in the passing attack, and a game-breaker waits at No. 29.

Thomas' steady production turned into a breakthrough playing alongside Nabers last fall, exploding for nearly 1,200 yards and 17 touchdowns in 13 games at more than 17 yards per catch. His 6-foot-4 frame gives him the chops to high-point balls. He's a bonafide deep threat who can react to Josh Allen's scrambles, adjust to the ball and battle through contact for big gains.

Outside of Rashee Rice, the Chiefs' pass-catchers have had a disappointing season, from a league-leading 38 drops to an ineffective downfield passing attack. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, Thomas is a fluid mover, getting in and out of his breaks with ease and showcasing the speed to race past defenders. His 17 touchdown catches led the FBS this season, and 10 came on vertical routes. But Thomas can also use his frame in contested situations to make tough catches, which would make him a favorite of quarterback Patrick Mahomes.