Brian Thomas Jr. is building on an impressive rookie NFL season as he enters his second year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 2024 NFL Draft’s 23rd overall pick showed remarkable skill last year and is committed to elevating his performance during the 2025 training camp in Jacksonville. His primary focus this offseason remains Brian Thomas Jr. improvement, as he works to sharpen his skills and contribute more to the team’s success.
Rookie Records and Early Recognition Fuel Thomas’s Drive
During his rookie season, Thomas set franchise rookie records with 87 receptions, 1,282 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. His outstanding performance earned him a spot in the 2024 Pro Bowl, along with ranking No. 61 on NFL.com’s Top 100 players list for 2025. Despite the accolades, Thomas remains focused on raising his game.
“It means a lot to me to make that my rookie year, coming in, just me wanting to come out here and show what I can do,”
Thomas said.
“I feel like I could have been better, so that’s what motivates me to come out next year and do even better.”
—Brian Thomas Jr., Wide Receiver
Training Camp Competition and Team Dynamics Enhance Development
The Jaguars brought in new talent this offseason, including rookie wide receivers Travis Hunter and Dyami Brown, to strengthen their offense. Thomas welcomes the challenge these additions bring and sees it as a source of motivation during practice.
“It helps with just competition at practice,”
Thomas explained.
“We all motivate each other, so it helps a lot just being able to have them out here each and every day.”
—Brian Thomas Jr., Wide Receiver
This competitive environment is fueling Thomas’s growth and pushing the Jaguars’ receiving corps to higher levels as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Adapting to Increased Defensive Attention Without Pressure
Thomas acknowledges that after a standout rookie year, defenses might focus more on him this season. However, he doesn’t perceive this as having a “target on his back.” Instead, he emphasizes preparation and teamwork as keys to overcoming any challenge.
“I wouldn’t say it’s having a target on my back,”
Thomas said.
“I would just say I’ve got to come out and prepare the right way and be ready for whatever the defense throws at us and come out and play team ball and get the job done. That’s my biggest thing, getting the job done. Getting wins.”
—Brian Thomas Jr., Wide Receiver
Growing Chemistry with Trevor Lawrence
Thomas is also cultivating a stronger bond with quarterback Trevor Lawrence during their second year working together. Lawrence missed a portion of the previous season due to shoulder surgery, making this camp crucial to rebuilding their on-field rapport.
“We’re still continuing to grow our relationship,”
Thomas remarked.
“Just coming out here each and every day continuously putting in that work and trying to be the best that we can be, taking a step forward each and every day to get better.”
—Brian Thomas Jr., Wide Receiver
He adds that he believes there is more to achieve—both personally and as a team—and is determined to demonstrate his full potential throughout the season.
“I feel like there’s more in the tank for me, so each and every day, each and every game I’m going to come out there and show everything that I can do, show what I can do, try to be better than I was last year.”
—Brian Thomas Jr., Wide Receiver
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Jaguars’ Training Camp Scrimmage
The Jaguars are set to hold their only scrimmage of the 2025 training camp at EverBank Stadium. Rookie Travis Hunter, selected second overall in the 2025 draft, will showcase his versatility by playing snaps on offense and defense. Hunter has been splitting practice time, playing defense on some days and offense on others, demonstrating his multifaceted role on the team.
On defense Thursday, Hunter recorded two passes defensed, highlighting his impact outside of just offensive duties.
“What we want to see is just that continued improvement,”
said offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.
“I don’t think that there’s anything specific that we would say we need to see [Friday]. We have time to continue to work and progress. I think it’s just a continued progression of schematic understanding, the technique, the chemistry with Trevor and the rest of the guys that we want to see in that mock game [Friday].”
—Grant Udinski, Offensive Coordinator
Veteran Running Back Travis Etienne Jr. Shows Notable Progress
Grant Udinski also praised veteran running back Travis Etienne Jr. for his expanding command of the Jaguars’ offense. As a versatile player entering his fifth NFL season, Etienne has displayed effectiveness as both a runner and receiver early in camp. Coaches note his dedication to mastering offensive protection schemes and new concepts, which allows him to adapt seamlessly to various positioning, from backfield to wide receiver spots.
“You see that progression day over day and that’s what’s exciting about his growth,”
Udinski said.
“He’s a guy who has some natural ability to do a lot of that stuff, whether he’s lined up in the backfield or whether he’s lined up flexed out, in empty, in the slot, all the way out wide. That versatility gives him a lot of options to get the ball in different situations, get the ball in space, which is where he’s suited best.”
—Grant Udinski, Offensive Coordinator
The Path Forward for the Jaguars and Thomas
Brian Thomas Jr.’s commitment to improvement highlights a promising future for both himself and the Jacksonville Jaguars as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. His eagerness to build chemistry with Trevor Lawrence, embrace competition from new teammates, and outperform last year demonstrates his drive and passion.
With veteran leadership, fresh talent like Travis Hunter, and a strong coaching staff led by Liam Coen, the Jaguars appear positioned to grow as a team. How Thomas and his teammates capitalize on these opportunities will significantly influence Jacksonville’s competitiveness in the upcoming year.