This young WR core is getting slept on

[One-If-By-Sea]

Who said we don't have a WR1?



Note Hollins shows up too.

The highest PFF Raw Separation Grade is held by Tyquan Thornton.

 

[Ollie]

Getting humbled could be great for him if he handles it properly.

He has talent.

Kayshon Boutte did some soul searching and realized he needed to grow up, and he did.

The NFL in general doesn't seem to agree that he has talent.

As far as the WR group, Pop and Boutte clearly have talent and are good WR3. I like Diggs but he isn't the player he was. I think we could carry on with this group quite happily as Drake is making the most of what we have but I would also love to see Drake with a real stud WR1. I think it could elevate things to 2007 levels

 

[Thelonious]

Who’s expecting what ?

Statisticians are predicting, with varying degrees of reliability, future outcomes based on reliable correlations between circumstances in the past and past outcomes.

It's inductive logic, just a more rigorous, codified version of what we all do when we "learn from experience": just as useful, just as imperfect. So it goes. When we worship science, or statistics, both of which are based on such logic, regard them as the only means of getting at "the truth," we overestimate the power and reliability and comprehensiveness of such thought. When we dismiss it all as "********," we underestimate it. We are inclined, alas, to overestimate the power of any sort of analysis, empirical or otherwise, when it agrees with our prejudices going in, with our ideological assumptions in particular. We are quirky beasts, which is why reading history is so often a very sad and discouraging undertaking, a tale of the very darkest humor. We ought not be surprised that the news is of the same nature.

 

[imahobgoblin]

Williams still is a massive concern to me. He has had 3 huge plays and they were either designed or just vertical routes.

That isn't enough long term. I'm not saying cut him next year if he doesn't improve within the system. But even with elite traits does that alone warrant a long term spot? Maybe?

In any case they need to for this year make sure they have 9 or do lays ready for him in the playoffs. He is too electric to not get him more than 1 ball.

Good think he is a ROOKIE. Right? Geez dude.

 

[imahobgoblin]

The highest PFF Raw Separation Grade is held by Tyquan Thornton.

And he still can't catch or get his QB's attention.

 

[scott99]

There still needs to be that go to alpha WR/TE or someone that can consistently get open. The Pats current pass catchers fade out of games too much. You'll have that one Williams catch and then he's never heard from again which was similar to the Bethel Johnson days. Boutte is still recovering from his injury, but he's becoming a nice WR. Hollins has made some clutch catches this year. Douglas is disappointing and I had higher expectations for him. Diggs is nowhere close to the player he once was and I can see him one as a one and done given he's due $26.5M in 2026. Pats will have a ton of money to steal a young WR away from a cap strapped team and swap out Diggs.

It’s funny you mentioned Bethel Johnson, I was thinking the same thing with Williams. But though Johnson was basically a nothing as a WR, he was a really effective kick returner with blazing speed. I think Williams has more of a chance to succeed as a receiver than Johnson ever had. Williams was definitely more established as a receiver coming out of college. But as of this place and time in his career, he’s similar to Johnson. It’s up to him if he shows more in his career.

 

[mgteich]

Diggs didn’t become a Pro Bowler until his sixth season in the NFL… have some patience.\

Sure, Williams has potential.

Williams could develop into a top receiver. He has potential. He may even become a starter for us.
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If Chism had 3 big catches in 13 games, we'd be raving about him.

 

[PatsFan2]

I hope you're sitting down...

Javon says hello.

 

[mgteich]

Sure, because they’re deep, spreading the ball around and using them all. Bottom line Pop is an incredibly tough cover in short space.

Yes, Pop is a good #4 WR. I'm glad that we have him.

We would be a worse team with Douglas as our #2.

We would also be much worse having to count on Williams or Chism as our #4.

 

[mgteich]

Good think he is a ROOKIE. Right? Geez dude.

for some, long-term means 2 years

 

[mgteich]

The NFL in general doesn't seem to agree that he has talent.

As far as the WR group, Pop and Boutte clearly have talent and are good WR3. I like Diggs but he isn't the player he was. I think we could carry on with this group quite happily as Drake is making the most of what we have but I would also love to see Drake with a real stud WR1. I think it could elevate things to 2007 levels

NoYAC has talent and a role and Josh uses him well.

 

[PatsFan2]

There still needs to be that go to alpha WR/TE or someone that can consistently get open. The Pats current pass catchers fade out of games too much. You'll have that one Williams catch and then he's never heard from again which was similar to the Bethel Johnson days. Boutte is still recovering from his injury, but he's becoming a nice WR. Hollins has made some clutch catches this year. Douglas is disappointing and I had higher expectations for him. Diggs is nowhere close to the player he once was and I can see him one as a one and done given he's due $26.5M in 2026. Pats will have a ton of money to steal a young WR away from a cap strapped team and swap out Diggs.

I don't know about that: but I'm glad we got him instead on Chris Godwin Jr. That said I hope you know S Diggs is being doubled in the Slot: which should free someone up. S Diggs is a gamer and I bet you he comes up Big in our Next Two and in the Postseason.

 

[PatsFan2]

NoYAC has talent and a role and Josh uses him well.

NoYAC have 16.6 ypc average and leads the Team with Six TD's. That after missing Two Full Games.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

And he still can't catch or get his QB's attention.

Zero drops on catchable balls, tied for most TDs.

Summary:
Tyquan Thornton has been a solid depth piece for the Chiefs' wide receiver room in 2025, primarily serving as a deep-threat option with his elite speed (4.21-second 40-yard dash from his draft year). Through 12 games (as of December 5, 2025), he's posted 15 receptions for 372 yards and 3 touchdowns on 31 targets, averaging a team-high 24.8 yards per catch among qualifiers. This efficiency stands out compared to the more volume-based starters, but his lower target share (about 7% of team targets) reflects his role as a rotational player rather than a primary option.

 

[Wozzy]

Sure, Williams has potential.

Williams could develop into a top receiver. He has potential. He may even become a starter for us.
======
If Chism had 3 big catches in 13 games, we'd be raving about him.

Chism isn’t ripping off 72 or 33 yards TD’s where gets behind the entire D. Chism has good potential as a slot WR… apples/oranges.

Williams has played very little and turned rookie opportunities into touchdowns. Suggesting he should have more stats when he is earning his way is not an argument at all. Mike Vrabel didn’t start a single game his first four seasons… was he bad?

 

[Wozzy]

Yes, Pop is a good #4 WR. I'm glad that we have him.

We would be a worse team with Douglas as our #2.

We would also be much worse having to count on Williams or Chism as our #4.

This offense and team is young and still figuring themselves out. Nothing is written in stone.

 

[Steve102]

I'm a little late to the Cult of Verticality meeting. However...

 

[TommyD4207]

NoYAC has talent and a role and Josh uses him well.

This is such a stupid nickname for the guy who's 4th in ypc in the entire league.

 

[Thelonious]

I guess whether this is a good or a bad thing depends on who is sleeping on you and why.

 

[Wozzy]

This is such a stupid nickname for the guy who's 4th in ypc in the entire league.

We just have to accept this is typical Patriot’s fan malaise. All the other teams have the weapons, we never do… except that one time in 2007 we had Randy Moss. Why can’t every WR be Randy Moss?

The other silly fan notion is that receiving weapons work their magic in a vacuum. CB Marcus Jones has more TD’s than Justin Jefferson does this season… but weapons score points with their mere existence and now Jefferson is moving down some imaginary list of “best weapons” somewhere… as if his lack of scoring is his fault somehow.