There hasn’t been much to like about the Jaguars this season, but wide receiver Brian Thomas is at the top of that small list.
Thomas was a first-round pick in April and he’s lived up to that status over the course of his rookie season. Thomas caught 10 passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday’s 32-25 loss to the Jets and that gave him the franchise’s rookie records for both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
After the game, Thomas said he “wanted to put in the work and let that show for me” on the field this season and head coach Doug Pederson made it clear that he’s accomplished that goal.
“We had high expectations coming out of camp with him,” Pederson said, via the team’s website. “As the season progressed, you see that he can handle more information, he can handle more responsibility and each week we keep finding ways to load him up and he answers. That’s what you want from your top receiver. He’s been such a bright spot. He’s been a workhorse offensively. For a young player, he’s someone you dial the ball up and chances are he’s going to find a completion. I’ve just been thoroughly impressed with Brian as the season has gone on.”
There are plenty of questions about the future of the Jaguars as the season comes to an end, but Thomas is one of the few sure things to build around in Jacksonville.