NFL Draft 2024: Indianapolis Colts Need to Think About This Receiver

admin | February 27, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Brian Thomas Jr., an LSU wide receiver, would be an ideal pick for the Indianapolis Colts in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Indianapolis Colts hold the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With that selection, drafting LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. makes sense. Indianapolis needs another top-tier wideout, and Thomas is just that.

Marvin Harrison Jr. will not be available at No. 15. Fellow receivers Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers are unlikely to be available at that position, although Thomas is expected.

Everyone knew last year that the Colts would draft a quarterback in the first round. They selected Florida’s Anthony Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 draft. This year, the club has various options for the first round. Potential additions are edge rusher Jared Verse from Florida State and cornerback Cooper DeJean from Iowa.

However, they should focus on the wide receiver position. Richardson, who is coming off an injury-plagued rookie season, needs another offensive weapon to toss the ball to.

2024 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts Should Consider Brian Thomas Jr.

Career at LSU

Thomas served three seasons with the LSU Tigers. As a freshman, he started nine out of twelve games. He grabbed 28 passes for 359 yards and two scores. The following year, he made 31 receptions for 361 yards and five touchdowns.

The Walker, Louisiana native had a breakout 2023 season. He caught 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and had the most receiving touchdowns (17) in collegiate football. Thomas and Malik Nabers formed the best receiver combo in the nation for the Tigers. The dynamic combo recorded 157 receptions, 2,746 yards, and 31 touchdowns. They helped Jayden Daniels win the 2023 Heisman Trophy.

As a junior, Thomas earned a third-team All-American and made the All-SEC Second Team. He was also a semifinalist for the 2023 Biletnikoff Award.

Why the Colts Should Take Brian Thomas Jr.

The Colts, like every other NFL team, will face numerous decisions this summer. Most fans and experts feel that re-signing free agent Michael Pittman Jr. is the team’s #1 priority. While Pittman isn’t one of the league’s top five wide receivers, he is unquestionably one of the Colts’ most valuable players.

If Pittman does not stay, Thomas would make an excellent substitute. Thomas is a big-play threat with impressive leaping ability. He also has natural explosiveness, which allows him to separate from defenders.

Even if Pittman re-signs, the Colts will need another receiver. Thomas, Pittman, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce would form an intriguing quartet. Throw in Jonathan Taylor, one of the league’s top running backs when healthy, and Indianapolis may have an explosive offensive.

Richardson will return to the field in 2024, having suffered a season-ending shoulder injury as a rookie. The Colts’ franchise quarterback will need as many offensive weapons as possible to help him have a successful bounce-back season. Throughout the years, LSU has produced several Pro Bowl receivers.Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase are great examples. Don’t forget about Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, or DJ Chark. Perhaps Robinson will be the next in line, playing for the up-and-coming Colts.