Is Brian Thomas Jr. Already Among the Best Wide Receivers in the NFL?
He remains the brightest star in the black hole of a hopeless season in which the Jaguars finished with a mark of 4-13.
Brian Thomas Jr. not only led the Jaguars in receiving as a rookie with 1,282 yards, but he also broke records along the way. With the Jacksonville franchise, he accumulated 417 more yards than Justin Blackmon did in his 2012 campaign.
In the AFC South, he recorded more total yards than players such as Nico Collins, Alec Pierce, and even Calvin Ridley. When considering the league as a whole, his numbers exceeded those of some elite players, including A.J. Brown, Tyreek Hill, and CeeDee Lamb, among others.
Even by hall of fame standards, his rookie numbers are staggering. Consider this. Brian had 355 more yards than Jerry Rice’s first season in 85’ with the 49ers.
Speaking of 1985, that would be the only year during his 14 year HOF career that Steve Largent would amass more yards, by just 5 in total (1287 to be exact).
Michael Irvin who became known league wide as “the playmaker” failed to eclipse 1000 yards until his fourth season in Big D.
By any measure, what Brian Thomas Jr accomplished this year was nothing short of impressive. Imagine the impact he’ll make in year two with a healthy Trevor Lawrence under center for 17 games.
