New England Patriots top two draft picks in 2022 under scrutiny
![Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kyle Peko (92) at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots guard Cole Strange (69) defends against Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kyle Peko (92) at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/725ad6b659b7a4e2dfbedf29372cefb48f3950b350e6f865f79350a97abf835a.jpg)
New England Patriots reached for wideout Tyquan Thornton
The other top questionable pick (again at that point in the draft) was for Baylor wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, a blazing fast, but rail-thin wideout. Thornton also was rated lower than a second-round pick by most, a round or two lower as Strange had been by those in the know.
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Thornton’s speed is obvious but his production, not so much. After being injured early, he has returned to play in five games. In those games, he has a not-so-earth-shattering nine catches for a meager 81 yards and a receiving TD (and one rushing).
Due to his early injury and his limited sample of games, it is far too early to say Thornton’s reach status has resulted in a bust draft pick. But conversely, he certainly hasn’t done much to justify being picked in the second round.
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An average of fewer than 2 catches per game played isn’t going to move the needle much even for a dull Patriots offense and its barely average receiving corps. Thornton has had every opportunity to seize a starting position and has frankly flopped to date. His grade would be a gift C-.
So those are some mid-term grades of the Patriots top two picks thus far. How do you think those picks have worked out? We’d like to hear.