As the Jacksonville Jaguars sort through their defensive end rotation, one undrafted rookie has started to look like a name worth tracking in camp: Bryan Thomas Jr.
John Shipley of Jaguars on SI recently highlighted Thomas among his list of UDFAs to watch this summer, and the buzz comes after a strong spring showing. Shipley wrote, "Bryan Thomas Jr. has the build and athletic ability to make a statement during the preseason when he is due to get plenty of reps."
Thomas closed his final season at South Carolina with a career-best 38 pressures and seven sacks, according to PFF. He also showed himself to be a steady tackler and, by PFF’s numbers, held up well against the run.
There’s room for a player like Thomas to make noise because the Jaguars’ defensive end group behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker is still unsettled. That spot is a revolving door, with four or even five players expected to get regular snaps, and the team still has to figure out who can bring consistent production.
At the same time, the path isn’t exactly open. Thomas is in a crowded competition, with second-year pass rushers Danny Striggow and BJ Green, plus recent draft picks Wesley Williams and Zach Durfee, all seemingly ahead of him right now on the depth chart.
Even so, Thomas has a real shot to push for a roster spot. The Jaguars showed last year that UDFAs can break through, with both Striggow and Green making the team.
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Trevor Lawrence Delivered A Strong Jaguars Offseason Moment In Tahoe
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The bigger subplot for Jacksonville was how Lawrence stacked up against familiar company. He finished ahead of Baker Mayfield for the second straight day, while Larry Fitzgerald was the best performer in their group and landed well in front of both quarterbacks. For a player still shaping the Jaguars next chapter, even an offseason event like this can carry a little extra meaning when the competition includes names fans know so well. [Read more 🡒]