Patriots Get the Fastest Human in the 2022 NFL Draft: WR Tyquan Thornton of Baylor
You say you wanted the Patriots to get faster and more athletic? You say you wanted Mac Jones to have more "weapons"? You say you want the field stretched and the top taken off the defense? You say you're all sorts of done with watching big bodied wideouts like N'Keal Harry fighting for 50/50 balls because they can't run themselves open? You say the league has evolved to where the premium is on the things you can't teach, like speed?
I present to you ... the Thornton. (The other one.)
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Here's what I wrote about Tyquan Thornton in my wide receivers preview:
Fastest Offensive Player in the Class of 2022:
Tyquan Thornton, Baylor. 6-2, 181 lbs, 4.28
Thornton is worth mentioning if for no reason other than what he did while sprinting up a sideline in shorts at the Miss Indy Pageant. But we always have to grade on a scale here. If he was 6-2, 225 pounds, then that sub-4.3 would be otherworldly. At 181 pounds, it's just self-preservation. Like a majestic deer being able to out run predators. Which he did, against the best competition in the FBS. And while staying healthy for all of 2019 and 2021 while going up against SEC defenders is a testament to his toughness, it's reasonable to doubt how much he'll able to hold up at the next level without a steady diet of protein shakes. Still, with speed as rare as his, it's hard to imagine him not coming off the board early on draft weekend.
Compares to the Other Leading Brand: Tiquan Underwood
But enough of what I had to say. Here's his NFL.com profile:
There is a lot to like about Thornton's game, including his instincts, long speed and ability to create separation on the move. He's a vertical threat with the speed and poise to win deep and has an excellent feel for maintaining spacing when working against zone coverage. He's skinny and linear, which is a bad combination in defeating strong press-man corners on the next level. The poise and catch radius will work in his favor….
Strengths
- Accomplished sprinting background.
- Good productivity in healthy 2019 and 2021 campaigns.
- Play speed sets up easy slants and hitch throws.
- Short-area foot quickness for a taller receiver.
- Tape is full of route separation.
- Poised and ready on 50/50 deep-sideline shots.
- Tougher than his frame might have you believe.
- Sticky hands with plus catch radius.
- Instinctive in space with feel for zone bodies.
- Above-average feel for footwork near boundaries.
None of which I say in order to claim Thornton is some kind of Can't Miss Kid. Despite his legendary last name. I've said a million times and I'll say again that wide receiver is the toughest position in football to project college-to-pro, with a bust rate that is off the charts.
What I am saying is that the people who have insisted for years that the Pats need to draft a field-stretching home run hitter type just got their wish. The fastest guy in his class who played at a high level for a big program against the best competition in college football. Mac Jones has his weapon to develop and grow with. Let the games begin.