Training camp standout makes early case (again) to make Patriots roster

Most would say it's too early in training camp and preseason to get excited or disappointed about players based on how they're practicing. The pads are just coming out, and the days remain mostly non-competitive, so anyone standing out for good or bad reasons shouldn't hold much weight.

That's a message that should be shared with all those who have already concluded that Drake Maye is not that good or won't start at all this fall, and perhaps it could also be said about Tyquan Thornton, who is (once again) having an impressive week at training camp, which has become standard since he was drafted two years ago.

Bill Belichick's selection of the Baylor alum was questionable from the start, mainly because of when he chose to draft him, and since then he hasn't lived up to the second round investment and dealt with a slew of injuries further hurting his stock.

But one thing has been consistent for Thornton since joining the NFL: he is a guaranteed training camp standout who consistently provides fans with highlight catches on the practice field.

He appears to be following that script again this year, as he made some more impressive plays from Jacoby Brissett on Thursday. It's the perfect time for him to do so since he remains on the roster bubble and needs to outplay many of his receiver teammates to secure a spot on the 2024 roster.

Tyquan Thornton impresses at training camp (again), but can he maintain it this time?

One of the biggest struggles surrounding Thornton has been his lack of consistency on the field, whether in a regular-season game or practice. He will have fantastic practices and be nearly invisible come game time, or vice versa. It usually begins with a great showing during training camp, usually without pads, and it looks like he will secure a spot on the roster, only to fall off once things become more competitive as the summer progresses.

At the Patriots' latest practice on Thursday, however, Thornton stole the show early on by going 2-0 over Christian Gonzalez in red zone 1v1s.

While this is a great development for the Patriots, who need all the help they can get on offense, Thornton will need to prove he can maintain this type of play once things become more physical. That hasn't been the case so far, hence his constant questionable chances of making the final roster, which is even more the case this year with the breakout showings of Javon Baker and Ja'Lynn Polk.

There is certainly an opportunity for Thornton to secure a spot on the roster if he can keep this up, especially with Kendrick Bourne's availability to start the season unclear as he continues to rehab from a torn ACL last year.

A handful of other receivers, including JuJu Smith-Schuster, also have uncertain futures in New England, so Thornton should take advantage of that to outperform his teammates.

We'll have to see if he can do this year.

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