The Indianapolis Colts own the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With that pick, taking LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. makes sense. Indianapolis needs another top-notch wideout and that’s exactly what Thomas is.
Marvin Harrison Jr. won’t be available at No. 15. Fellow receivers like Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers likely won’t be around either at that spot, but Thomas is expected to be.
Last year, everyone knew the Colts were going to take a quarterback in the first round. And they did just that, selecting Florida’s Anthony Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 draft. This year, the team has several ways they can go in the first round. They could add an edge rusher like Florida State’s Jared Verse or a cornerback like Iowa’s Cooper DeJean.
But wide receiver should be the position that they need to address. Richardson, who’s coming off an injury-riddled rookie year, needs another offensive weapon to pass to throw the ball to.
2024 NFL Draft: Indianapolis Colts Should Consider Brian Thomas Jr.
Career at LSU
Thomas spent three seasons with the LSU Tigers. As a freshman, he played 12 games, starting nine times. He caught 28 passes for 359 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The following year, he had 31 receptions for 361 yards and five touchdowns.
The Walker, Louisiana native put together a breakout 2023 season. He caught 68 passes for 1,177 yards, and his 17 receiving touchdowns led all players in college football. Thomas teamed with Malik Nabers to give the Tigers the nation’s top receiver tandem. The dynamic duo combined for 157 receptions, 2,746 yards, and 31 touchdowns. They certainly helped quarterback Jayden Daniels win the 2023 Heisman Trophy.
As a junior, Thomas was a third-team All-American and was named to the All-SEC Second Team. He was also a semi-finalist for the 2023 Biletnikoff Award.
Why the Colts Should Take Brian Thomas Jr.
Like every NFL team, the Colts have a lot of decisions to make this offseason. Most fans and experts would agree that re-signing free agent Michael Pittman Jr. is the team’s top priority. While Pittman isn’t one of the league’s five-best wide receivers, he’s absolutely one of the Colts’ most important players.
If Pittman somehow doesn’t stay, Thomas would be a great replacement. Thomas is a big-play threat, who possesses size and outstanding leaping ability. He’s also blessed with natural explosiveness, which helps him create separation from defenders.
The Colts will still need another receiver even if Pittman re-signs. Thomas, along with Pittman, Josh Downs and Alec Pierce would give the team an intriguing quartet. Throw in Jonathan Taylor, one of the league’s best running backs when healthy, and Indy could feature an exciting offense.
Richardson will return to the field in 2024 after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury as a rookie. The Colts’ franchise QB will need as many offensive weapons as possible to aid him in a strong, bounce-back season. Over the years, LSU has produced several Pro Bowl receivers. Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase are good examples. And don’t forget about Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and DJ Chark. Perhaps Robinson will be next in line, starring for the up-and-coming Colts.
Main Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
