3 underrated Patriots players who could make a massive impact next season

3 underrated Patriots players who could make a massive impact next season

Tyquan Thornton

Seeing his name on this list might be surprising after his first two seasons in the NFL, but it looks like Tyquan Thornton is doing all the right things this offseason to better prepare himself for the year ahead.

Based on social media posts made by some of his teammates over the last few weeks, the receiver has already begun his offseason training and appears to have prioritized gaining weight. His slender frame has been a constant concern since the Patriots drafted him in 2022, and when he broke his collarbone ahead of his rookie year, it seemed to validate those worries.

Fortunately, Thornton returned and played in 13 games, recording 22 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He also added three carries for 16 yards and a rushing touchdown.

It wasn't necessarily the production Bill Belichick was probably hoping for since he had been criticized for taking Thornton "too early in the draft." However, he showed flashes of impressive ability that the offense could utilize if given more opportunities and time to develop.

Now that he's entering his third season after a forgettable 2023, it will be a make-it-or-break-it situation for the young receiver. With more consistency at quarterback and a better offense around him, it feels like 2024 is the year for Thornton to prove his value to the team.

He has the perfect chance to do that in the absence of DeVante Parker, who is no longer on the team, so he could easily step into that role and make an impact.