Heading into the 2022 NFL draft, Baylor wide receiver Tyquan Thornton was expected to be a mid-round draft pick, but the New England Patriots took him in the second round.
Thornton entered the league with blazing speed, but it was pretty evident that he'd have to grow a lot before he was ready to make an impact.
Unfortunately, through his first two seasons, Thornton has only appeared in 22 games, and even when he's been on the field, his performance has been underwhelming.
As he battles for a roster spot this year, the 23-year-old knows he has to show out.
“Two years in, I haven’t done anything, basically,” Thornton said after a recent training camp session. “So Year 3, I definitely want to come out here and prove myself right.”
Many wondered at the time if Thornton was the right pick, and two years into his career those people have been proven right to have been skeptical of the decision.
Thornton knows what's being said about him, but he's ready to compete.
“The doubt is always going to be out there,” Thornton said. “I’ve been doubted all my life. So there’s nothing to it. Just go out there and prove yourself right."
Through New England's 11 training camp sessions, Thornton has been one of the top six players at the position, but he's also dealt with some injuries again. If he wants to make the 53-man roster, he'll have to show that he can stay healthy and be a valuable weapon for offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and whoever is under center.
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