Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr.’s career path could mirror that of Ex- Cowboys speedster

1st-round pick Brian Thomas Jr. is expected to become a “WR1.” But, he could serve in a role reminiscent of a receiver from days of yore.

The preseason is underway and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first preseason game is this weekend. Heck, it might’ve already taken place by the time you’re reading this. Across the league, fans and media are scrutinizing rosters and practice reports in order to come up with an opinion of what the forthcoming season will hold for their respective teams.

Additionally, fantasy prognosticators sift through the rosters of every team looking for diamonds in the rough. Those same fantasy fans are already aware of the common consensus that Brian Thomas Jr. will likely be merely a contributor and not a superstar for a while in Jacksonville.

Certainly, everyone in Duval hopes No. 7 will eventually develop into a true WR1. No one wants to place artificial limits on his upside. But, fans aren’t blind either, and it’s hard not to notice his college teammate turning heads in New York.

That is what a “number one” wide receiver looks like. The fact that Thomas wasn’t the best wide receiver on his own team in college was not lost on most observers during the draft. Still, his upside was generally held in high esteem.

Another factor working against Thomas’ likelihood of becoming an instant sensation is the fact that he is joining an offense fairly stacked with established talent. He will have to get in line for touches behind the likes of Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, and Travis Etienne.

But, maybe that’s ok.

By most accounts, Thomas will need time to develop all of the skills necessary to become a fully-fledged NFL threat. No one disputes Thomas’ speed and ability to stretch the field, and that particular set of skills happens to be the ones most coveted by the current iteration of the Jaguars.