An Underrated WR Prospect Who Could Be a Jordan Addison-esque Contributor
Josh Frey
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Last year, Puka Nacua was the wide receiver to burst onto the scene after being selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
This spring promises to have more Day 3 picks at the wide receiver position far outlive their draft stock simply because of how deep the class is at the position. One of the more underrated WR prospects in this class is Jamari Thrash out of Louisville. Today’s edition of the Vikings Draft Thermometer will evaluate Thrash’s skillset and how he could become a contributor for the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Overview
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 188 pounds
- School: Georgia State, Louisville
- Arm Length: 31″
- Hand Size: 8 5/8″
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds
- 10-Yard Split: 1.54 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 34″
- Broad Jump: 10′ 0″
- 3-Cone: 7.16 seconds
- Games Watched: Notre Dame (2023), Georgia Tech (2023), Pittsburgh (2023),
Thrash committed to Georgia State as a three-star recruit in the Class of 2019, according to 247 Sports. The wide receiver spent his first two seasons living as a depth player, recording just 11 total receptions.
Thrash finally was able to begin living up to his potential in 2021 as he played all 13 games for the Panthers that season, and they had their first eight-win season in program history, including a 51-20 victory over Ball State in the Camellia Bowl.
Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, Thrash opted to enter the transfer portal in order to join a bigger program and raise his draft stock. He landed with the Louisville Cardinals and was the team’s leading receiver this past season.
Statistics
- 2019: 2 receptions, 17 yards, 8.5 yards per reception (3 games)
- 2020: 9 receptions, 161 yards, 17.9 yards per reception, 2 TDs (9 games)
- 2021: 32 receptions, 452 yards, 14.1 yards per reception, 3 TDs (13 games)
- 2022: 61 receptions, 1122 yards, 18.4 yards per reception, 7 TDs (12 games)
- 2023: 63 receptions, 858 yards, 13.6 yards per reception, 6 TDs (12 games)
Strengths
Thrash’s ability to run precise routes is the most intriguing skillset in his repertoire. He is excellent at changing direction and speed at the drop of a dime and finds ways to get open in the short and intermediate areas of the field as a result.
On top of this route-running, Thrash has ridiculous acceleration and can create separation downfield. He can track the ball very well on deep passes. This speed allows him to be a very dangerous player after the catch as well, and he can pick up YAC in a hurry.
Weaknesses
Thrash makes up for his lack of play strength by utilizing speed, but his poor ability to play with strength shouldn’t be ignored. He still is a smaller receiver and can find trouble overcoming press coverage against the more physical cornerbacks.
If defenders can stick will him on his routes, he has had some issues with overcoming the brawn of opposing defensive backs, and drops can become an issue on contested catches. He will need to become more consistent in that area at the next level.
NFL Projection
- Draft Stock: Round 3-Early Round 4
- Immediate Role: Slot receiver used to get over the top of defenses
- NFL Comp: Jordan Addison
- Vikings Draft Thermometer: 60
Thrash’s combination of speed downfield and precise route running should allow his abilities to transfer to the NFL level, and his playstyle looks very similar to that of Jordan Addison. Both players are smaller (though Thrash actually has a bit more weight on his frame than Addison did going into the NFL), but their athleticism makes up for any lack of size. With the Vikings needing to fill their WR3 role, Thrash could be on their radar with the 108th overall pick.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via 247 Sports, Pro Football Focus, and Sports Reference CFB.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.