Three Reasons Why the Colts Should Draft LSU WR Brian…

Brian Thomas Jr. of Louisiana State University would be an ideal fit for the Indianapolis Colts’ offense.

The 2024 NFL Combine is in the books, and the Indianapolis Colts have a lot to consider as the draft approaches on April 25.

Indianapolis has several roster needs on both offense and defense. One of the most significant is another weapon at wide receiver.

After the combine, Indianapolis may have found a great fit in LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. Here are three reasons why the pass-catcher could be exactly what Shane Steichen requires to push the offense to the next level.

Thomas is a known deep-threat pass-catcher. During his final year at LSU in 2023, Thomas caught 68 passes for 1,177 receiving yards, an average of 17.3 yards. Thomas used his foot speed and size (6’3″; 209 pounds) to create big plays.

However, he is a quick-win receiver who can pose a challenge to defensive backs, safeties, and linebackers. According to Thomas’ NFL Combine report, the LSU prospect has skills that make him a danger in the short passing game.

Here are two subjects in the breakdown that suit 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 danger like Alec Pierce already on the roster, Thomas’ versatility, along with his big-play potential, makes him a viable threat. He can also avoid news publicity and focus on completing tasks.

In 2023, the Colts tied for 25th in the NFL with 18 passing touchdowns. While they added 19 running touchdowns, they only had nine from wide receivers (Michael Pittman Jr. led the way with four).

Thomas shined the most in 2023, leading the nation with 17 receiving touchdowns.

On an offensive attempting to become more efficient in a passing league, Thomas makes perfect sense and will surely receive red zone targets given his frame and ability to catch at the high point.

If you listen to Colts general manager Chris Ballard and coach Steichen, they frequently use the word “explosive.”

Consider Thomas’ 9.97 RAS (Relative Athletic Score) and scorching 4.34 second sprint.

While Thomas can improve his focus lapses, this is a fixable problem with coaching and improvement. Reggie Wayne, a Colts icon and wide receiver coach, will step in to address those inadequacies. Aside from that, Thomas fits exactly what the team wants to achieve and will be a good complement to quarterback Anthony Richardson’s downfield passing talents.

As previously stated, he has the speed to catch a short ball, find a lane, and outrun defenders for a big score. This type of explosiveness alleviates the load on Pittman and Josh Downs. It also adds another capable pass catcher on the field for both short and long gains.

You can never have too many weapons for a rookie quarterback like Richardson and an offensive genius like Steichen. Thomas makes sense for this Colts offense, and Ballard should consider selecting him if he is available at No.15 in the 2024 NFL Draft.