Three best team fits for LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr.

LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is flying up draft boards. In his latest big board, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. rates him as the 11th-best prospect in this draft class.

Thomas Jr. proved he's worthy of a first-round selection at the scouting combine, showcasing elite speed. The 6-foot-3, 209-pounder tied for the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.33 seconds). With that in mind, here are three teams that would be an ideal fit for the talented wideout.

Dallas Cowboys 

The Cowboys already have a No. 1 WR in Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb, who led the league in receptions (135 in 17 games) last season. Still, Dallas' receiving corps needs more depth.

In 16 games, WR Brandin Cooks finished with 54 receptions for 657 yards, the third-lowest figure of his career. The Cowboys released WR Michael Gallup after he had two TD catches in 17 games, which tied a career low.

In his latest mock draft, NFL.com's Eric Edholm has Dallas trading the 24th overall pick to the Los Angeles Rams to move up to the 19th slot and select Thomas Jr.

"Dallas really needs to add pass-catching threats and might have to trade up to ensure landing one like this LSU product," wrote Edholm. "He's an explosive talent who can help shield CeeDee Lamb from seeing so many tricked-up coverages."   

Jacksonville Jaguars 

Calvin Ridley — who led the Jaguars in receiving yards (1,076 in 17 games) and TD catches (eight) in 2023 — signed a four-year, $92M deal with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Outside of Ridley, no Jacksonville WR had more than three TD catches. 

The lack of explosive playmakers might have contributed to quarterback Trevor Lawrence's struggles, including his 21 turnovers.

According to Tankathon, the Jaguars will take Thomas Jr. with the 17th overall pick. This would be a smart idea, as he led the FBS in receiving TDs (17 in 13 games) in 2023.

Arizona Cardinals

Last season, the Cardinals' passing attack was lackluster, finishing 26th in the league in yards (184.9). A weak receiving corps exacerbated its problems. No Arizona pass-catcher had 1,000 or more receiving yards. 

The Cardinals have the fourth overall pick in the draft, meaning they could take Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr. or LSU's Malik Nabers instead of Thomas Jr. However, general manager Monti Ossenfort recently admitted they're willing to trade this pick.

In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Matt Miller has Arizona trading the fourth pick to the Denver Broncos to move back to No. 12, where it selects Thomas Jr.

"After trading back from No. 4, the Cardinals can still land someone who can become a WR1 and be a top-flight downfield target for QB Kyler Murray," Miller wrote. "Thomas' vertical speed and catch radius would be great for the Cards, who currently have Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch slotted into the two starting receiver spots."