Patriots Officially Part Ways With Second-Round Draft Bust

With the New England Patriots finally getting healthier in their wide receiver rotation, it was inevitable that they would make a roster move to trim the depth. On Saturday, the team finally announced their decision to waive Tyquan Thornton ahead of Week 11.

Patriots News: New England Waives Tyquan Thornton

This was an expected move for a lot of Patriots fans. Ever since he was a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Thornton struggled to establish his career. Not only did he struggle with injuries, missing 12 games in his first two seasons, but he was also not productive when he was on the field.

The combination of Thornton's length and speed has always been intriguing. Yet, he consistently struggled to track the ball and make the catch. He wasn't strong enough to make catches in traffic and constantly dropped easy passes. Through 28 games in a Patriots uniform, Thornton had a 32.9% receiving success rate, finishing with 39 catches, 385 yards, and two touchdowns.

The former Baylor standout still has enough talent and athleticism to warrant a look elsewhere in the NFL. Insider Tom Pelissero highlighted that he is a name to watch on the waivers. If he doesn't get much interest, the Patriots can still bring him into the practice squad but that seems unlikely.

The Patriots currently have two rookies in the WR room that they are trying to develop. Ja'Lynn Polk is desperately hoping to avoid the same fate as Thornton, a fellow second-round selection. Javon Baker hasn't had much of a chance to show what he is capable of. In a rotation that also includes Pop Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, and K.J. Osborn, there simply wasn't any room for Thornton. A fresh start may be what's needed for both sides.

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