Patriots 2nd year receiver could be another bust for Bill Belichick

The New England Patriots and Bill Belichick have been historically bad at drafting wide receivers. After a big miss in the first round on wide receiver N’Keal Harry, the Patriots were hesitant to draft another receiver high in the draft.

Finally, after years of waiting, the Patriots selected Tyquan Thornton in the second round of the 2022 draft. 

After a disappointing rookie season a year ago, the Thornton hype has gone down considerably, and the Patriots should be concerned. Thornton has had a poor training camp to open 2023, and it appears he could be a bust.

If Thornton is a bust, it would be another wide receiver to add to Belichick’s list of busts at the position.

All the reporting at camp has shown that Thornton is having a poor start. Thornton has been limited for the past few days, and when on the field, he has rarely been targeted.

I was the first training camp practice this season, and something looked off with Thornton. I remember him dropping an easy ball in a drill on the first day, and that has kind of set the tone for his camp overall.

It's unfortunate to see Thornton having a rough camp because he showed flashes of his potential last season.

The best game of Thornton’s rookie season was against the Cleveland Browns, as he had a rushing/receiving touchdown and 37 receiving yards. This game was an example of the speed and agility that he possesses. 

The Patriots have to get Thornton going in camp because they can’t afford to have another bust at the receiver position. Belichick also needs Thornton to succeed because busts at the wide receiver position are a hit on his legacy.

Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how Thornton finishes training camp and the preseason.