WATCH: ESPN roundtable reacts to Field Yates mock drafting Brian Thomas Jr. to Bills
ESPN’s NFL insider Field Yates released his first 2024 NFL draft mock of the offseason. In it, the Buffalo Bills go with a wide receiver.
The selection is LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr.
In any scenario the Bills select a wideout, Gabe Davis has likely signed elsewhere during free agency. Considering his goodbye message to Buffalo before he even hits the open market? Davis seems likely to depart.
Thomas, a 6-foot-4 receiver, had an impressive breakout 2023 at LSU with 68 catches for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Following the mock being released, a roundtable on Yates’ prediction was held on the former world-wide leader’s network. In that, analyst Jordan Reid was a huge fan of the pick at No. 28 overall.
“After the combine, I wouldn’t be suprised but if he ended up going inside the top 20,” he said.
The roundtable discussion followed by Thomas highlights can be found below:
#LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. is likely to be a name that we’ll be talking about more after the NFL Combine.
Best Team Fit? ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/r4zcrnBXJG
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 16, 2024
Brian Thomas Jr. highlights
Brian Thomas Jr is the name I keep coming back to…
He has size, speed and his hands are some of the best in this draft. This past season he had an 82.1 catch percentage, which put him 3rd amongst all wide receivers in the nation.
He also reeled in 17 touchdowns this past… pic.twitter.com/JsbVDjPUEM
— Thomas DeLaus (@TheThomasDeLaus) February 21, 2024
Brian Thomas Jr. highlights
Brian Thomas Jr.'s release package, combined with his elite speed in a 6'4+ frame, makes him nearly impossible to press, particularly on deep routes.
If he can add some physicality at the stem, add flexibility in his cuts and refine his hand location on low throws – look out. pic.twitter.com/Kc2mq3HxLk
— Dynasty Zoltan (Mike Garai) (@DynastyZoltanFF) February 21, 2024
Brian Thomas Jr. highlights
Some notable NFL Draft prospects slot/wide percentage from 2023 season.
Malik Nabers:
Slot 53.6
Wide 46.2Slot
Jalen McMillan: 91
Tahj Washington: 90.3
Malik Washington: 87.9
Malachi Corley: 85.8Wide
Johnny Wilson: 90.2
Brian Thomas Jr.: 85.8
Troy Franklin: 82.5
Rome Odunze:… pic.twitter.com/EmcUshaDcd— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) February 22, 2024
Brian Thomas Jr. highlights
Brian Thomas Jr. needs to improve (and attempt more) hand-fighting. He’s got the length + size, but when corner’s get hands on, he’s not combative pic.twitter.com/DfoEkAZh5Z
— Aidan Maher (@Aidan_Maher17) February 14, 2024
Brian Thomas Jr. highlights
Brian Thomas Jr. (WR #LSU) will be one of the biggest draft risers. He’s already our 10th ranked prospect 👀
📏 Elite Frame (6’4 / 205)
🏎️ Great Long Speed
🏈 Textbook Ball-Tracking
🙌🏿 Catch-Radius & HandsI present: a consistent George Pickens with no antics…🤔 pic.twitter.com/NNiAZciYmU
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) February 22, 2024
