Taking a look at the Patriots' draft picks from several angles, including measurables, media reports and game film analysis:
Patriots second-round pick
50th overall with trade up
Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
Age: 22 (this season)
6-2½, 181 pounds, 4.28 in the 40
Hands: 8¼. Arms: 33¼. Vertical: 36½. 3-cone: 7.25. Bench: N/A.
Stats (final season): 62 catches, 948 yards, 10 TDs, 3 drops
NFL SOURCES ON THORNTON
- "This is a bigger reach than Strange. Fourth round at best."
- "We had Thornton (ranked) between 80 and 100."
- "Not a huge reach. He's talented and clean."
- "Another big surprise to me."
- "Tall/skinny speed threat, hands aren’t natural but he has good upside, would be a nice long term replacement for DeVante (Parker)."
MEDIA
#Patriots fans, get excited about Tyquan Thornton!
— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 30, 2022
4.28 speed, dynamic outside receiver ability, and so impressive on and off the field! (📽️⬇️) #ShrineBowl https://t.co/rUvfqdmQH1 pic.twitter.com/r5VeLsQ2yR
Ourlads.com
• In Round 2, there were several better wide receivers available when New England took Tyquan Thornton (50), who didn’t even make my list of the top 25 wideouts in this class. Yes, he has blazing speed — he ran a 4.28-second 40 at the combine — but he needs a lot of work on his all-around game. Alec Pierce, George Pickens, Skyy Moore and Jalen Tolbert all would have been better picks. It’s another selection without value. - Mel Kiper
• 50. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (VIA KC): WR TYQUAN THORNTON, BAYLOR
Pick Grade: Poor
After the Saints reached for their pick at 49th overall, the Patriots topped them by taking Tyquan Thornton — the 192nd ranked player on the PFF big board. Everyone knows that he brings deep speed to the table after clocking a 4.28-second 40-yard at the NFL scouting combine. While those wheels are a huge plus, his play strength at the next level is cause for concern. Thornton isn’t much of an after-the-catch threat, as evidenced by averaging 3.9 yards after the catch and breaking just 11 tackles on 143 career receptions. - PFF
• SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Baylor, Thornton was the X receiver in offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ balanced scheme. After a listless junior year, he had the senior season he needed to be taken seriously as an NFL prospect, leading the team in receiving and finishing top-10 in school history in most receiving categories. Thornton has legit vertical speed (he had a full-ride scholarship to run track at LSU out of high school) to get overtop coverage and win down the field (seven receptions of 40-plus yards in 2021). He made key improvements as a senior in terms of finishing grabs through contact, but he can be taken out of commission early when press corners connect (smallest hands and skinniest wrists in the draft). Overall, Thornton will have a tougher time masking his lack of build or play strength vs. NFL competition, but his speed plays at any level, and his midair adjustment skills could be what keep him on an NFL roster.
GRADE: 5th Round - Dane Brugler.
FILM ANALYSIS
BEDARD'S ANALYSIS
Strengths
- Speed does stand out, both on routes and after the catch if he has space to take a couple of steps.
- With the ball in his hands, he has an ability to reach a gear many can't get to. It is impressive.
- Does a good job of catching most passes with his hands instead of the body.
- For a skinny receiver, he does fight for the ball against stronger defenders. He does not tap out like some finesse receivers.
- Not afraid to go over the middle and will take a hit.
- Book on him is that Thornton goes down immediately on contact. Did not see a lot of that on film. That might be from previous years. He did display some toughness that seems to be overlooked.
- Can take the top off the defense if given space.
- Appears to be a smart player on film. No diva in him. Just a hardworker. Seems quiet and keeps nose down.
- Willing blocker.
- Versatile. Can run end-arounds and throw passes.
Weaknesses
- Biggest trait to prove, and it could determine how good a pro he is, is how Thornton reacts to physical man pressure. This body type normally has issues with that.
- Not overly strong down the field against coverage.
- Small hands are a worry, especially in the cold. But the film did not reveal a deficiency.
- Doesn't always play to timed speed. Doesn't just let it go unless the ball is in his hands.
- Not very much shake. Very much a straight-line player, similar to Brandin Cooks but taller.
Parting thoughts
- Pretty big indicator on league opinion in that Thornton was not invited to the Senior Bowl, which is run by former Patriot scout/Belichick friend Jim Nagy. He's the highest-drafted Shrine Bowl player since the Patriots selected Jimmy Garoppolo in 2012. Either the Patriots are way smarter on this player than a lot of people, or Thornton was overdrafted. Seems more like a 4th-round type to me. Need development and to get stronger.
- He's the biggest swing player in this draft to me for the Patriots. If he hits, this draft will be viewed as a great one because Cole Strange and Marcus Jones will play for a while in the league.
- I don't love how he didn't do the bench press at the combine or pro day. Indicates he's not very strong at all and he will be challenged.
- Will have to show he can consistently beat man coverage to succeed. Of course, if his speed is real, you're hoping some teams play off him and that negates the jam. He will have to beat the jam. The Patriots will test him with their players in camp. We should see it early.
- I didn't want to like this pick, but I have to tell you, I can see what they are seeing. This is not just a speed trait guy. Thornton plays tougher than the media is letting on. But for the pro level, that's a projection. He's going to have to bring it on a consistent basis.
- Would not be surprised if the Patriots put him at gunner a lot on special teams, at least in practice, to toughen him up/get used to contact and earn more of a rookie role. Not sure if he ultimately does that, but I do that in practice.
- I have a hard time seeing him pressing for more than just 10-12 snaps a game in 4 WR sets as a rookie. Of course, if he really pops, then the Patriots would be freed up to trade Nelson Agholor — if they aren't trying already after the DeVante Parker trade. It seems someone needs to go. Would think Agholor over Jakobi Meyers is the odd man out at some point.