NFL Draft 2024: What if the Dolphins were to select LSU WR Brian Thomas, Jr.?

The Dolphins are interested in adding a third receiver to complement stars Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

But what if that third receiver was more than a third receiver?

What if that third receiver was a potential No. 1A or No. 1B receiver for Miami?

That would clearly be the case if Miami passed on perhaps more pressing needs along the offensive and defensive lines and edge and selected potential star receiver Brian Thomas Jr., of LSU, at Pick 21.

Thomas has outstanding size — he's 6-foot-3, 209 pounds.

Thomas has outstanding speed — he runs 40 yards in 4.33 seconds.

And Thomas has outstanding ball skills, with 17 touchdowns last season.

Who does Thomas model his game after?

"Growing up, it was Julio Jones," Thomas said. "Now I would say more like Tee Higgins ... I just like the things he does like route running, him being more of my size. He's a great route runner, just how he gets open, how he's able to do one-on-one."

Thomas is widely projected as a first-round pick. And yet somehow he lived a bit in the shadow of teammate Malik Nabers, an explosive, game-altering receiver who may go in the top 10.

The Dolphins once drafted an LSU receiver, Jarvis Landry, who lived a bit in the shadow of draft classmate Odell Beckham Jr.

Of course, Beckham Jr. has recently visited the Dolphins.

Thomas was asked at the NFL scouting combine if some are "sleeping" on him.

"A little bit," Thomas said. "But that's just how it sometimes ends up being."

We can assure Thomas he's not off the NFL's radar.

NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah has Thomas as his 17th-ranked player.

"He lines up outside and in the slot," Jeremiah says. "He easily defeats press coverage with his quickness. He is very sudden in his release and can find another gear once the ball is up in the air. He is very loose and fluid as a route runner. He has snap at the top of the route and doesn't waste steps.

"He has a very large catch radius because of his frame, leaping ability and ball skills. After the catch, he has some wiggle to make defenders miss and also boasts home run speed. Overall, Thomas is a big-play machine and has the upside to develop into a No. 1 receiver for his drafting team."

Hill and Waddle are each 5-foot-10.

So Thomas' size could really work well with Miami's smaller receivers.

It's also true that Hill is under contract for only two more seasons.

And, assuming Miami uses its fifth-year option on Waddle — if there's no earlier extension — then he would also be under contract for only two more seasons.

NFL teams look much further ahead than many fans and media when thinking about draft needs.

Receiver may not seem like a desperate need for Miami. But it's usually better to draft a player at a position before it presents itself as a desperate need.

And, let's be honest, a 2024 receiving trio of Hill-Waddle-Thomas could prove devastating.

Pro Football Focus has studied all of Thomas' metrics and it has generated lofty expectations. Here are some of their notes from a 2024 NFL draft guide:

"Thomas is the kind of player every offense wants for their vertical passing game plans A former football and basketball star in high school, he is a big, tall and fast vertical threat who forces the defense to be honest about his ability to get behind them. His footwork and flexibility are fast and fluid for a big man.

More: Listen Now! Can't keep up with NFL free agency in Florida? We've got you covered

From 2022-23, his releases became more effective at creating separation. He is also a willing and competitive blocker. He posted a career-high catch percentage in 2023, and that needs to continue moving forward."

At the NFL scouting combine, Thomas acknowledged he had to learn how to become a better practice player. Thomas said he has worked hard to create great habits in every aspect of his life.

On the field? Thomas is just an incredible big-play threat.

"Playmaker," he said.

Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.

89th NFL DRAFT

Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza, Detroit

Round 1, Thursday, April 25, 8 p.m.

Rounds 2-3, Friday, April 26, 7 p.m.

Rounds 4-7, Saturday, April 27, noon

To follow along: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio

First pick: Chicago Bears

Dolphins' picks: Round 1/21; Round 2/55; Round 5/158; Round 6/Pick 184 (from CHI); Round 6/198; Round 7/241

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Would Dolphins take receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in 2024 NFL Draft?