On Monday, the Chiefs signed wide receiver Tyquan Thornton to their practice squad. Thornton was selected by the New England Patriots in the second-round draft pick of the 2022 NFL draft.
Unfortunately, Thornton didn’t pan out for the Patriots. In 28 games, he recorded 39 catches on 76 targets for 385 yards and two touchdowns. Despite things not working out in New England, Thornton has an upside, thanks to the speed he possesses.
Thornton’s speed was certainly a reason why the Chiefs took a chance and signed him to the practice squad. Given the injuries Kansas City has faced in their receiving corps this season, another injury there is possible.
If that happens, having Thornton as an option would be beneficial to the Chiefs’ offense.
Patrick Mahomes commented on Thornton’s addition on Wednesday, expressing optimism about the wide receiver, “I didn’t realize how tall he was. . . I’m sure Carson and the other guys will get him integrated. . . A lot of talent. A lot of ability.”
#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on new practice squad WR Tyquan Thornton: “I didn’t realize how tall he was. . . I’m sure Carson and the other guys will get him integrated. . . A lot of talent. A lot of ability.”
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) November 20, 2024
Mahomes comments about Thornton are encouraging. Recognizing the talent that Thornton possesses in only a few days shows that Mahomes could already be thinking about getting Thornton the ball if he’s ever called upon.
At six-foot-three, Thornton can be a mismatch for cornerbacks, which has the potential to be dangerous, with Mahomes throwing him the ball. That alone might provide Thornton the first chance to make an impact if a receiver goes down again.
Although Thornton has yet to live up to his draft position, being in Kansas City with Mahomes could change that.
