Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, there was chatter that the Jacksonville Jaguars could trade up into the top 10 to select either wide receiver Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers. But they ultimately opted not to and instead made a deal with the Minnesota Vikings to move down a few spots.
With the pick they got, the 23rd overall, the Jags chose Brian Thomas Jr. He was their guy all along, and they must've been thrilled that he was still on the board. However, they considered the possibility of taking cornerback Terrion Arnold if he had been off board. Looking back, they're surely glad things played out the way they did.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report recently drew up a list of 2024 first-round picks who must bounce back to avoid the dreaded bust label and included Arnold, pointing down that the former Alabama standout struggled as a rookie and can't get too comfortable next season.
"Last year was certainly a learning experience for the Alabama product. Speaking to his growth down the stretch of the team's schedule, he's expected to be a starter heading into year two," Holder wrote. "However, especially while playing for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations, he can't get too comfortable or afford to get off to a slow start in 2025."
Holder continued, "Detroit signed D.J. Reed during free agency to serve as the defense's No. 1 cornerback and brought in Avonte Maddox as a veteran insurance policy. While Maddox has primarily lined up at nickelback, 2024 free-agent addition Amik Robertson proved to be a versatile player last fall and could move to the boundary if Arnold isn't on top of his game."
Arnold went to the Lions just one pick after Jacksonville drafted Thomas. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported at the time that Arnold was "a strong consideration as the choice," but the Jaguars were in need of a replacement for Calvin Ridley, who bolted for the Tennessee Titans in the offseason, so they went with Thomas.
Aside from Arnold, the Jags also passed on Nate Wiggins, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Cooper DeJean. It wasn't until the third round that they added a cornerback, Jarrian Jones, with the 96th overall pick.
Overall, Jones fared well in the slot last year, logging one interception and six passes defensed. On top of that, he posted a Pro Football Focus overall run grade of 88.5. After the arrival of Jourdan Lewis in free agency, the former Florida Seminole could line up in the boundaries next season. But regardless of where he lines up, he's in a position to build off of a promising rookie campaign.
The Jaguars wouldn't change Brian Thomas Jr. for Terrion Arnold
Now, players' readiness is always variable coming out of college, and there's a chance Terrion Arnold may need just a bit more time to hit his stride. Having said that, it's fair to say that the Jacksonville Jaguars wouldn't change Brian Thomas Jr. if given the chance.
While Trent Baalke had several misses during his stint as the general manager, he hit it out of the ballpark when he drafted Brian Thomas Jr. Already, the former LSU Tiger has established himself as one of the premier receivers in the NFL. Right off the bat, he gave the offense an element of verticality that the Jags had been missing for years. Moreover, he was the most productive receiver out of the 2024 draft despite the fact that he was the fourth one off the board.
And as impressive as Thomas was in 2024, he could be even better next season. Last year, opposing teams had no trouble doubling the Louisiana native. With the arrival of Dyami Brown and Travis Hunter, defenses will no longer be able to zero in on him. Couple that with the return of Trevor Lawrence under center, and the sophomore receiver is poised to pick up where he left off.
The bottom line is that Brian Thomas Jr. is a keeper, and the Jaguars must be thrilled that he was still available when they were on the clock in last year's draft.
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