DRAFT Patriots select WR Tyquan Thornton at 50.

CBS Sports:

See if he has football IQ. He had a limited route running tree so it will be a concern. If he is smart and can learn he can be more than just "vertical".

Here is what Dane Brugler had to say about Thornton:

"STRENGTHS: Long-striding athlete with track speed that translates to the football field ... confident hands-catcher away from his frame (only three drops on 98 targets in 2021) ... finishes catches through contact surprisingly well on tape (made major improvements in this area from previous years) ... has the leaping skills and length to expand catch radius and make grabs over defenders ... linear route runner with controlled footwork, which helps him create stride-length separation ... has toe-tapping skills along the boundary ... tougher than expected as a blocker ... one of only three Big 12 players with double-digit touchdown grabs in 2021 ... finished his career top-10 in school history in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

WEAKNESSES: Rail thin with minimal bulk and the skinniest wrists in the draft (6 1/8 inches) ... tiny hands (8 1/4 inches) won’t create much confidence when it comes to winning 50-50 balls in the NFL ... not much of a catch-and-go threat, and needs to do a better job putting himself in position for YAC opportunities ... won’t break tackles and offers very little power as a ball carrier ... lack of play strength will be more evident vs. physical press corners ... routes are straightforward and lack deception ... doesn’t offer much value on special teams ... slender frame creates durability concerns."

I'd be interested to know how many drops and fumbles the kid had at Baylor.

He's definitely not the typical WR the Pats have gone for in the past. The 3 cone is somewhat pedestrian for a WR a 7.25.

Could put on some weight.

zipster9 said:

See if he has football IQ. He had a limited route running tree so it will be a concern. If he is smart and can learn he can be more than just "vertical".

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Some reports tonight say he's an excellent route runner, so he should be able to learn more of them.

Moss 2.0

Classic Reiss, reporting the top-30 visit in his replies so it didn’t show up on his timeline and nobody else picked up on it.

If he allows us to save $10m by trading agholor it’s already a pretty good pick. Wonder if he csn contribute this year though

Brugler mentioned that Thornton ""didn't offer much value on STs".. You mention about him potentially being a Gunner..

zipster9 said:

See if he has football IQ. He had a limited route running tree so it will be a concern. If he is smart and can learn he can be more than just "vertical".

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Where did you get that he had a "limited route tree"?

DaBruinz said:

Where did you get that he had a "limited route tree"?

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From Steeler's prospects. Also, a few other websites indicate the routes were limited.

bruinator said:

Didnt N. Harry have 1 of these videos as well?

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Yes so did Randy Moss

I'm also reading good things about his red zone potential. Can't hurt.

zipster9 said:

2022 NFL Draft Player Profiles: Baylor WR Tyquan Thornton

From now until the 2022 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top 10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections and...

steelersdepot.com

From Steeler's prospects. Also, a few other websites indicate the routes were limited.

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Well, here are the routes that Thornton ran in the Videos that BCG posted:

Slant
In Cut
Post
Corner
Fly

I did see him make double and triple moves to fake out the CBs. I saw him catch some back shoulder fades. I saw him adjust and run under the ball.

I didn't see any Curls, Out Cuts, or Comebacks. But I'm fairly certain the videos were meant to show how he can use his speed to go deep. I saw nothing in the videos to make me think he couldn't run those routes.

zipster9 said:

See if he has football IQ. He had a limited route running tree so it will be a concern. If he is smart and can learn he can be more than just "vertical".

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That’s always my concern with WR’s we pick. Can he pick the system up? This kid has great talent. Get the benefit of nfl coaching, nutrition, body training. He could be special. Only thing is if he figures out the system. Fingers crossed.

It looks like his speed actually translates into the game, which is the key. Guy is a legit threat every time he gets the ball in his hands, which we haven’t had for years.

Better hands than i thought he would have and seems to be a hands catcher which is always a good sign. Hopefully he will progress and could become a legit guy for us. I like the pick, maybe a reach but depending on what you see from some sources looks like it was about right from him to be drafted

DaBruinz said:

Well, here are the routes that Thornton ran in the Videos that BCG posted:

Slant
In Cut
Post
Corner
Fly

I did see him make double and triple moves to fake out the CBs. I saw him catch some back shoulder fades. I saw him adjust and run under the ball.

I didn't see any Curls, Out Cuts, or Comebacks. But I'm fairly certain the videos were meant to show how he can use his speed to go deep. I saw nothing in the videos to make me think he couldn't run those routes.

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I was not indicating that. If he has good football IQ smarts, he should be a keeper. It's just not the route tree, but also understand coverages.

Bethel Johnson could not learn the playbook. Ocho Cinco as well. Joey Galloway, and Sanu.