Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars teammates have high praise for rookie Brian Thomas Jr. after one week

Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars teammates have high praise for rookie Brian Thomas Jr. after one week

This year’s slate of rookie quarterbacks who started did have encouraging performances to begin the 2024 NFL Season. Typically, that’s how it goes, but it was quite disappointing regardless, especially for Chicago Bears rookie Caleb Williams against the Tennessee Titans.

You couldn’t exactly say the same about the rookie receivers outside of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze, beginning with Xavier Worthy‘s two-touchdown performance for Kansas City to open the season. Another receiver who did not disappoint was Jaguars rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The former No. 23 pick in the 2024 draft hauled in four catches for 47 yards, hauling in a 14-yard touchdown in the first half.

Receiver: Total EPA Rankings

1. Alec Pierce (10.1)
2. Chris Godwin (9.7)
3. Nico Collins (9.3)
4. Jaylen Waddle (9.0)
5. Brian Thomas Jr. (8.8)
pic.twitter.com/2JeMkfw0A1

— Daniel Griffis (@DanDGriffis) September 14, 2024

When speaking to reporters this week, quarterback Trevor Lawrence was very complimentary of Thomas after his first career game.

“He’s a gamer, and just shows up ready to play every time he goes out there,” Lawrence said. “That’s exciting to see as a quarterback, just some of the plays he made. He doesn’t seem like a rookie at all. He has that quiet confidence about him.”

Thomas’ other teammates raved about his performance and his demeanor as well.

“For a young guy to go out there and make the plays he did, I thought he played with a very calm demeanor and also some energy,” wideout Christian Kirk said. “A lot of people, including us, loved to see him get a little emotional during the game. That was good. It kind of set the tone. Each week, he’s going to keep getting better.”

“Whatever he’s been doing, he needs to keep doing it,” tight end Evan Engram said. “He has a bright future ahead. It’s only his first game. He’s going to continue to learn. He’s going to get better. He’s going to get more accustomed to the game, to our offense. I can’t wait to play alongside him the rest of the season and just watch him grow.”

Thomas wasn’t the best receiver out of the class, nor is he the No. 1 target in Jacksonville alongside Engram, Kirk or newly-signed Gabe Davis. Though Doug Pederson is a good enough coach and Lawrence is a good enough quarterback to where, in some weeks, it won’t be surprising if Thomas is featured within the offense.

Thomas and the Jaguars will have a tougher Week 2 test against the Cleveland Browns, who are coming off a 33-17 loss to the Cowboys in Week 1. Miami’s defense was a good test for Cleveland, but the latter is arguably better with Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome and Grant Delpit patrolling the secondary. There’s still room for him to build off his encouraging debut, but that defense isn’t going to make life any easier for him and the rest of Jacksonville’s pass-catchers Sunday.

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