Bengals' Top Target Thomas Jr. Flagged for Medicals

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Cincinnati Bengals find themselves in an intriguing position regarding their potential first-round selection. While the team is widely expected to bolster their trenches with an offensive or defensive lineman, a potential need at wide receiver could alter their plans, particularly if they anticipate losing Tee Higgins in 2025 after playing under the franchise tag in 2024.

In this scenario, many mock drafts have linked the Bengals with LSU Tigers wideout Brian Thomas Jr., a talented pass-catcher with impressive size and speed. However, recent reports have shed light on potential medical concerns surrounding the All-American receiver, which could significantly impact his draft stock.

According to Dane Brugler, a respected draft analyst for The Athletic, several NFL teams have medically flagged Thomas Jr. Brugler’s tweet highlighted the receiver’s “elite size/speed” and his accomplishment of leading the FBS in touchdown catches, but also mentioned an “inexperienced route tree” and the medical concerns raised by multiple teams.

“I’m really intrigued with the landing spot for LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. Elite size/speed, led FBS in TD catches, inexperienced route tree, a few teams flagged him for medicals. Could go as early as No. 10 to NYJ or go 10 picks later.”

Thomas Jr., who stands at an imposing 6-foot-3 and weighs 209 pounds, had a remarkable 2023 season for the Tigers, hauling in 68 receptions for 1,177 yards and an FBS-leading 17 touchdowns in 13 games. His impressive performance earned him All-American honors and solidified his status as a projected top-20 draft pick in 2024.

While the specifics of Thomas Jr.’s medical concerns remain undisclosed, the Bengals’ history with injury-prone wide receivers like John Ross, whom they selected ninth overall in the 2017 draft despite known medical red flags, could influence their decision-making process.

However, it’s worth noting that Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz has reported that Thomas Jr. has been a “late riser” in draft circles, suggesting that some teams in the top half of the draft order may be willing to overlook his medical concerns and select him early on.

As the draft approaches, the Bengals will undoubtedly conduct their due diligence, weighing the potential risks and rewards associated with selecting Thomas Jr. If the medical concerns are deemed manageable, the tantalizing prospect of adding a dynamic receiving threat to complement their already potent offense could prove too enticing to pass up.

Regardless of the outcome, the NFL Draft promises to be a captivating event, with teams carefully evaluating each prospect’s talent, character, and medical history before making their crucial selections. For the Bengals and Brian Thomas Jr., the coming days will reveal whether their paths align or if the team opts for a different direction in their pursuit of sustained success.