Draft pundits are beginning to take stock of the New England Patriots 2022 draft class. One ESPN analyst believes a certain draft pick can make an impact right away.
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton was taken by the Patriots in the second round of the draft. The speedster from Baylor is coming off a 2021 season that saw him record 62 catches for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns last season.
Thornton was part of a remake of the Patriots’ wide receiver room. New England also traded for DeVante Parker in addition to the former Baylor star, as depth and production remain key goals for the position.
ESPN analyst Jeremy Fowler believes Thornton can make an impact. He was asked on SportsCenter Tuesday morning about which rookie wideouts will be able to shine immediately, as transcribed by Jason Ounpraseuth of NESN.com.
“Let’s swing it to New England — Tyquan Thornton, he was considered a surprise second-round pick, but talking to some people and some teams who’ve interviewed him, they’re not as surprised,” Fowler said Sunday. “He was very sharp in team interviews. He’s been good in the Patriots film room already, understands passing concepts. And so they have a crowded room a receiver with four or five position players, but with that 4.2 speed, should be able to crack it somewhere.”
Thornton has been putting in the work in order to crack that wide receiver room. He has been a part of the workout groups that Mac Jones has been putting together during the course of this offseason. He could be an important piece of the offensive equation for the Patriots, as they look to have success in a crowded AFC East.
With the Patriots looking for production at wide receiver, Thornton’s speed and playmaking ability can make him an attractive candidate to make a splash.
