Tyquan Thornton shows signs he could end Patriots' early-round WR woes

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There are quick-hit thoughts and notes about the New England Pats and the National Football League.

This is the first thing. The status of Tyquan Thornton, the second-round pick in the 2020 draft, has been a topic of discussion.

After selecting Harry over Deebo Samuel and A.J. Brown in the first round of the 2020 draft, the Pats took Thornton this year before a group of other players.

There are early signs that the scenario in question isn't the same as the one in 2019.

"It's been great to watch him grow, he came in a little questionable, but it's been great to see him grow," fellow receiver Jakobi Meyers said. He began to get real at that point. A real talent. I am happy he is with us.

Thornton admitted that his arrival in the spring came with some turbulence.

He said that the first week was difficult for a lot of them, just coming from having that transition from college to the NFL.

Scenes from the bleachers: Speedy WR Tyquan Thornton (2nd round, Baylor) has won over fans early in his first NFL training camp. pic.twitter.com/JRkKywe1Jp

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 4, 2022

Thornton has gotten better every time he's stepped on the field, according to receiver coach Ross Douglas. He has a lot of things to give. His speed isn't the only thing. He has ball skills. The guys in the room embrace him because of his good attitude. His development will be important in getting him there.

In 1-on-1 drills, Thornton's reliable hands and ability to track the deep ball have shown up. It's going to be a challenge to transfer that into 11-on-11 drills, where he's most often working behind the other four.

Thornton, who has been supported by a small group of fans each day, has also worked as a punt returner, a role that could add value and help solidify a spot on the game-day roster.

Agholor liked where he was mentally. He practices hard and takes good notes.

He's fast, we all know that. He isn't running go routes every single play. He works his short-to-intermediate routes as well.

There are two Last year, whenever Mac Jones came to the sideline, he was usually shoulder-to- shoulder with Josh McDaniels. Jones' success in his first season was dependent on their connection. During Thursday's preseason opener against the Giants, it could be quarterbacks coach Joe Judge who comes into sharper focus.

Judge said that it was not possible to fast- forward a relationship. You have to keep building on it. Building trust and learning how to work with each other are some of the things that need to be done. My top priority is that. It's all about communication. He knows how to play a game. He is a very hard working person. He is willing to let you know what he likes. He's willing to do anything for the team. He has been a pleasure to work with.

There are three. How big of a deal is it for the offense to be inconsistent? There have been more "no chance" plays in which Jones and Zappe have tucked the football or thrown it away than in the past. It seems that part of that is related to the new things the Pats are doing. The offense is through nine practices and the team is "inching along" according to the coach.

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There are four. In an interview with the "Movin' The Chains" program, the coach talked about the Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy of RobertKraft. There isn't a set criteria for Hall of Famers, but there are three layers that bolster the case ofKraft.

He's a great owner, according to the coach. You can see what he has done. He's made great contributions to the league in a number of ways. He's done a great job here in New England, keeping the team in New England and not letting it go out of the area. He makes contributions to the community off the field.

If you wanted, you could put him in the Hall of Fame for any of those. Hopefully, we'll be celebrating in Canton next year.

There are five. After signing Davon Godchaux to a two-year, $20.8 million extension, the New England coach referred to him as one of the best defensive linemen in the league. Godchaux's ability to stop the run, defeat blockers and push the pocket to affect the quarterback is one of the best in the league.

There are six. Jonnu's production didn't live up to the $50 million contract he signed as a free agent, but there are signs that could change. He had a great off-season for us. Smith and Henry were the only two tight ends on the field last year. The number should go up in the future.

There are seven. The tradition of putting rookies in unconventional jersey numbers ends in 2022, as league rules don't allow for things like Thornton, a receiver. Thornton said it would be sad. I feel like 51 is a part of me now that I'm running around. I was having a good time with it.

Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship in action: As Patriots DL coach DeMarcus Covington met with reporters before one practice,Keith Jones watched the process unfold.

Jones, a grad assistant at Arkansas, has a fellowship position during Patriots training camp. pic.twitter.com/xPPlFHFSIX