The Jacksonville Jaguars play their first preseason game this weekend. The preseason is still in progress. Heck, by the time you read this, it may have already happened. Fans and media alike are scouring practice reports and rosters across the league to make predictions about what their teams’ upcoming seasons will entail.
Not only that, but fantasy experts go through each team’s roster in search of hidden gems. For a time, those same fantasy football fans are already aware of the general agreement that Brian Thomas Jr. will probably only be a contributor rather than a star in Jacksonville.
Everyone in Duval is undoubtedly hoping that No. 7 will ultimately mature into a true WR1. Nobody wants to artificially restrict his potential. Fans are not stupid, though, and it is difficult to ignore the fact that his college friend is drawing attention in New York.
That is the appearance of a “number one” wide receiver. Most onlookers during the selection were aware that Thomas was not the top wide receiver on his own squad in college. Still, most people thought highly of his upside.
The fact that Thomas is joining an offense that is quite loaded with experienced skill is another element that makes it unlikely for him to become an overnight sensation. He will have to move up in the queue behind players like Travis Etienne, Evan Engram, and Christian Kirk in order to be touched.
Maybe it is okay though.
According to most estimates, Thomas will require time to acquire all the abilities required to establish himself as a serious danger in the NFL. There is no denying Thomas’ speed and ability to spread the field, and the Jaguars are now the team most in need of those specific qualities.