The 2024 NFL Combine is in the books and the Indianapolis Colts have a lot to think about with the draft approaching on April 25th.
Indy has multiple roster needs on offense and defense. One of the biggest is another weapon at wide receiver.
After the combine, Indianapolis may have a perfect fit in LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. Here are three reasons why the pass-catcher could be just what Shane Steichen needs to take the offense to the next level.
It's not a secret that Thomas is a deep-threat pass-catcher. During his 2023 senior year at LSU, Thomas caught 68 passes for 1,177 receiving yards for 17.3 yards per reception. Thomas utilized both his foot speed and size (6'3"; 209 pounds) to make big plays.
However, he's also a quick-win receiver who can be a mismatch for defensive backs, safeties, and linebackers. According to Thomas' NFL Combine profile, the LSU prospect has strengths that make him a threat in the short passing game.
Here are two subjects in the breakdown that fit the short passing game:
- "Short-area shake helps uncover for quick hitters underneath."
- "Able to bend hips and sit in the chair at route breaks."
With a downfield threat like Alec Pierce already on the roster, this ability, mixed with his big-play prowess, makes Thomas a versatile threat. He also can get off of press coverage and free himself for completions.
In 2023, the Colts tied for 25th in the NFL in passing touchdowns with 18. While they did complement that with 19 rushing scores, they only got nine touchdowns from wide receivers (Michael Pittman Jr. led the team with four).
This is where Thomas excelled in 2023 the most, as he led the nation with 17 receiving touchdowns.
On an offense trying to become more efficient in a passing league, Thomas makes perfect sense and will undoubtedly get red zone targets given his frame and ability to make catches at the high point.
If you listen to Colts general manager Chris Ballard and coach Steichen, they constantly say the word "explosive."
Enter Thomas' 9.97 RAS (Relative Athletic Score) and blistering 4.34 second speed.
While Thomas can work more on concentration drops, it's a fixable issue with coaching and development. That will be where Colts legend and wide receiver coach Reggie Wayne will come in to smooth those shortcomings out. Outside of that, Thomas fits exactly what the offense wants to do and will be a suitable weapon for quarterback Anthony Richardson's downfield passing abilities.
As mentioned in a previous entry, he's also fast enough to catch a short pass, find a lane, and outrun defenders for a long touchdown. This type of explosiveness takes the pressure off Pittman and Josh Downs. It also places another effective pass catcher on the field for short and deep gains.
You can never have too many weapons for a young quarterback like Richardson and an offensive mind like Steichen. Thomas makes sense for this Colts offense, and Ballard would be wise to consider picking him if he's available at No.15 in the 2024 NFL Draft.
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