Patriots Progression: Which Player 'Must' Step Up?

New England Patriots receiver Tyquan Thornton recorded only 22 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns last season.

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones isn't the only player looking for a bounce-back campaign. Following a productive college career where he amassed over 2,000 career receiving yards in four years at Baylor, Tyquan Thornton was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

However, despite being known for his blistering speed - running a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine - Thornton's rookie year did not go according to plan. He suffered an injury injury early and wound up with just 22 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns.  

While missing the first four games of the year due to a broken collarbone, along with a disastrous Matt Patricia led offense certainly played a factor, Thornton will be looking to break out in a big way this season. 

"The arrival of offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien should provide Thornton a fresh start and more opportunities to show off his dynamic downfield ability," Yahoo Sports writes. "But the second-round pick still will have to claw for opportunities given that DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne all look to be above him in the current pecking order."

With New England not taking a receiver in this year's NFL Draft, the team has instilled faith in Thornton to take a jump entering his second season - with ESPN even calling the 22-year-old a draft "winner."

And while Thornton only had a handful of notable moments his rookie year, a two touchdown performance - one receiving and one rushing - in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns showed flashes of what could unleash when healthy and under a consistent offense. 

---

Follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard

Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here

More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.