6 Patriots Whose Stock Has Fallen Ahead of Training Camp

6. Tyquan Thornton, Wide receiver

It's really unfortunate that Tyquan Thornton's name keeps getting brought up in situations like this, but if the boot fits...

The Patriots have gone out of their way to add a lot of bodies to the receiver room over the last two offseasons, including through both the NFL Draft and free agency. Part of the reason for doing that is that the speedy receiver out of Baylor has failed to develop through two NFL seasons, and he's not making any real waves entering year three.

Thornton is only 25 years old and has two years left on his contract, so there are some attractive qualities there, which would lead a young and rebuilding team like the Patriots to be patient. He's simply not living up to the billing of the 50th overall pick in the draft.

When you take someone at a premium position in the top 50 picks of the draft, you're expecting that player to come in and make an impact and be productive by their second year, at the very least.

Bill Belichick spoke at the 2024 NFL Draft (as part of the media) about knowing what you've got in a young player 1.5 years into their career. Unfortunately, that formula would spell doom for someone like Thornton, and a change of scenery may ultimately be the only thing that helps him out.

The reps will diminish as the Patriots look to involve young players like Douglas, Ja'Lynn Polk, Kayshon Boutte, and Javon Baker. A roster spot isn't guaranteed for Thornton, and up to this point, he's failed to make any waves.

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