4 Patriots Still on Thin Ice Despite Surviving Roster Cuts

4. Tyquan Thornton, WR

Day 2 draft picks don't always reach their potential and Tyquan Thornton is an example of that fact. Despite being drafted 50th overall by the Patriots in 2022, the former Baylor playmaker has done anything but live up to his potential throughout the last two seasons.

The injury-plagued wideout has been limited to just 22 games since joined the Patriots two years ago. He's been a less-than-reliable target as he's caught just 35-of-68 (51.5%) passes for 338 receiving yards and two touchdowns. While that's far from being the worst receiver in the NFL, it's disappointing when you consider that he nearly racked up 1,000 yards with 10 TDs in his final collegiate campaign.

Even though Thornton was solid during summer practices, his presence was barely felt during the preseason. Playing 27 passing snaps on the exhibition slate, the Miami, FL native only caught one of his four targets for just four receiving yards. His 39.6 passer rating when targeted is the equivalent of if Maye or Brissett only threw the ball into the ground all game long.

While such a performance likely would've seen Thornton cut any other season, Bourne beginning the year on the PUP list likely kept the former's job safe. In other words, Thornton has at least four games to prove that he belongs in the Patriots' offense — especially when the franchise can save $1.6 million by cutting him next offseason, per Spotrac.

If Thornton can't step up immediately, the ice beneath him will only become thinner.

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