Brian Thomas Jr. turned heads March 2 at the NFL Combine with incredible testing numbers. He ran a speedy 4.33 40-yard dash and finished with a Relative Athletic Score of 9.97u.
Thomas’ unofficial RAS of 9.97 makes him the most athletic LSU combine prospect ever by this metric. Testing alongside a number of teammates, Thomas was able to produce numbers that outperformed LSU legends like Justin Jefferson.
Here’s what that means:
Relative Athletic Score (RAS) is a metric that compares athlete’s measurables, drills and performance numbers with other athletes of the same position to determine athletic ability in a macro context.
A handful of LSU players also tested at the combine with strong performances.
Maason Smith earned an 8.98 RAS and put up the second fastest 3-cone drill time among defensive tackles.
Charles Turner had an RAS of 8.12 but didn’t run a 40-yard dash.
Mekhi Wingo scored a 7.97 RAS. Wingo had the second fastest 40-yard dash time among defensive tackles at 4.85 seconds.
Andre’ Sam finished with an RAS of 5.59 but had the ninth longest broad jump among safeties at 10 feet 3 inches.
Jordan Jefferson didn’t have enough testing to qualify for an RAS but was ranked No. 1 among defensive tackles on the bench press and No. 2 overall, completing 34 reps.
Above them all stood Thomas’ historic performance. Should his numbers hold, Thomas will rank top 10 all time in RAS among receivers.
Thomas’ measurables were 209 pounds, standing just under 6 feet 3 inches with a 32.75-inch arm length and 9.75-inch hands. He ran a 4.33 second 40-yard dash and had a 38.5-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-6-inch broad jump. Thomas didn’t perform agility testing.
Thomas ran the fifth fastest 40-yard dash at the combine but was the heaviest among those five apart from Isaac Guerendo.
Thomas had comparable results to some superstar receivers.
Justin Jefferson produced an RAS of 9.69. He ran a 4.43 40-yard dash and had the exact same broad jump distance as Thomas.
Julio Jones, at just an eighth of an inch shorter than Thomas, had the exact same RAS score, 10-yard split and nearly the same 40-yard dash time at 4.34.
It should be noted that RAS is far from a sure indicator of success. In fact, correlation is likely low at best. However, that does not mean Thomas’ numbers mean nothing.
A 9.97u RAS probably won’t get Thomas into a top five pick, but it serves a great benefit to his draft stock. NFL general managers are aware that RAS doesn’t guarantee them talent, but they also recognize the value in athletic ability.
Historically, strong combine performances have proven beneficial for draft prospects, often resulting in a higher draft position. As it currently stands, Thomas is expected to get drafted around the middle of the first round. Speed and explosiveness at his size will prove valuable wherever he lands.

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