When Calvin Ridley departed for the Tennessee Titans in free agency, he left a significant gap in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ receiving corps. To address this, the Jaguars selected Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While some might argue that the team should have prioritized other areas, particularly the secondary, Thomas has proven to be a valuable asset. Despite this, Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report suggests that the Jaguars might have made a better choice with Kool-Aid McKinstry.
Fowler recently revisited the 2024 draft, proposing a re-do in which the Jaguars select McKinstry with the 23rd pick. He argues that cornerback was a pressing need for the team at that time. McKinstry, noted for his prowess as a premier man-to-man cornerback, would have paired well with Tyson Campbell, creating a formidable duo in the secondary. Fowler’s revision reflects the pre-draft sentiment that McKinstry was a perfect fit for the Jaguars’ needs.
According to Fowler’s scenario, the Jaguars would have moved down six spots in the draft, receiving two fourth-round picks and a third-round pick in return. General manager Trent Baalke had previously indicated that Thomas was their top target at No. 17. If Thomas had not been available at No. 23, the Jaguars would have opted for Terrion Arnold. McKinstry ultimately went to the New Orleans Saints in the second round.
Thomas was projected as a first-round pick due to his deep-threat capabilities, which the Jaguars had been missing over the past two years. He averaged over 17.3 yards per reception in his final collegiate season and clocked a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Thus far, Thomas has met expectations, impressing with several standout plays during the offseason and preseason, including catches of 41 and 38 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons, respectively.
In Jacksonville, Thomas is expected to stretch the field, which should alleviate pressure on other offensive players like tight end Evan Engram and slot receiver Christian Kirk. By drawing coverage away from these players, Thomas will help create more favorable matchups.
While Kool-Aid McKinstry may prove to be a strong addition for the New Orleans Saints, the Jaguars’ decision to draft Thomas was driven by a critical need for a dynamic wide receiver. Additionally, the Jaguars had ample opportunity to select a cornerback in the first round, with no corners off the board when they picked at No. 17. Quenyon Mitchell was the first corner selected at No. 22, and Terrion Arnold was still available after the Jaguars’ trade, eventually being picked by the Detroit Lions.
The Jaguars later addressed their cornerback needs by drafting Jarrian Jones at No. 96 and Deantre Prince in the fifth round. Both players have made positive impressions, with Jones expected to play a significant role as a rookie and Prince making the initial 53-man roster.
Ultimately, the Jaguars chose Brian Thomas Jr. because they believed he was the best fit for their needs. Given the results and the impact Thomas has made, it’s unlikely the Jaguars would alter their decision, even with the benefit of hindsight.