4 things to know about Patriots rookie WR Tyquan Thornton
With the 50th overall pick in the second round, the New England Patriots selected wide receiver Tyquan Thornton
Known for being a speedy wide receiver at Baylor, Thornton will have a chance to prove himself, as New England looks to add depth to the wide receiver room. With his playmaking ability, the rookie could find himself an integral part of the offense throughout the course of his Patriots career.
In a star-studded draft class, Thornton flew a bit under the radar for media and fans alike. Today, we take a look at four things you need to know about the Patriots newest second-round pick
He was one of the fastest receivers in college football and was the fasted wideout at the NFL combine
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Thornton was one of the fastest wide receivers at the NFL Combine. With a star-started class that included the likes of Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, Thornton was one of the fastest in college football.
At the combine, he ran a 4.28 40-yard dash. That was three seconds better than the second-place finisher: Tennessee’s Velus Jones. Olave ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, while Wilson ran a 4.38 40-yard dash.
The Patriots are getting quite literally getting the fastest receiver in college football. Speed has been an element that the Patriots have been missing at the position. Thornton will fill that void. If nothing else, he will give quarterback Mac Jones a receiver that is able to make things happen after the catch.
He was a highly-rated high school recruit
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Thornton was a four-star recruit coming out of Booker T. Washington High School in Florida.
He was named a two-time All-Dade Area honoree while in high school. He selected Baylor over the likes of Florida, Georgia, Miami, LSU, and Tennessee. He finished his high school career with more than 1,100 receiving yards.
Versatility was a big part of his game as well. He played quarterback and had read touchdown passes as a senior. If anything, the signs were there early on that he would be able to produce at a high level.
A record-setter at Baylor
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He was able to really put things together while at Baylor. As a senior in 2021, he started in all 14 games. He had 62 receptions and 10 touchdowns. He was also able to cement himself and Baylor’s history books.
He finished his Baylor career ranking 10th all-time on their career receiving list with 2,242 yards. He generated a lot of buzz in the 2021 preseason, as he was named to Phil Steele’s All-Big 12 Third Team.
Between his speed, and his ability to make things happen after the catch, he was able to improve his stock while at Baylor. Now, in a wide receiver rookie class, he will have the chance to make an impact for a New England team that is desperately needing speed and another impact playmaker.
He should serve as a red-zone threat
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Much has been made of his speed, but his height could equally an equally important asset. The 6-foot-2 receiver scored 10 touchdowns in his final college season. He won a number of contested-catch situations in the red zone and — even with smaller hands — demonstrated the ability to pluck the ball out of the air.
“This isn’t just a linear guy,” Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh said after Day 2 of the draft. “You see him really be able to get off the line. And for as fast as he is — I’m sure you guys are all grinding film on Tyquan and Marcus — to be able to see him get in the red zone and do some things, and it’s not just speed, it’s 6’2″, ability to get up and really pluck the ball out of the air. So, there’s going to be a lot of different things that he’s going to be able to do to help.”
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