Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. now holds Jacksonville’s rookie receiving records in each major category.
After setting the franchise rookie records for receiving yards and touchdowns against the New York Jets in Week 15, Thomas’ 16-yard catch against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday moved him into sole possession of Jacksonville’s rookie reception record.
Justin Blackmon set the previous record, 64 receptions, in 2012. Blackmon owned the Jaguars’ former rookie receiving yards record with 865; Allen Hurns set Jacksonville’s prior rookie receiving touchdown record with six in 2014.
At press time, Thomas, Jacksonville’s No. 23 overall selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, has 65 receptions for 972 yards and eight touchdowns 15 games into his NFL career.
“I think Brian’s grown a lot,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said about Thomas on Monday. “I can remember back, right after the draft, you get him in here and start working with him and just watching that development, that growth to where he is today as a receiver, and one of the top young receivers in this league. Obviously, a big part of our offense and just a bright spot.
“It’s been encouraging to see his growth and what he’s capable of doing. Going back and watching him on film coming out of LSU to today, some of the same things, some of the explosiveness. We continue each week to load his plate up and give him more opportunities and really expand his route tree just a little bit more. Has been good, and he embraces it well.”
Jacksonville and Las Vegas were tied 7-7 in the second quarter at press time.
