Chiefs WR Picks Up New Role in Quest to Make 53-Man Roster: Report

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton will be fighting for a roster spot at training camp.

Former New England Patriots second-round draft pick Tyquan Thornton was an immediate standout at Kansas City Chiefs OTAs this spring, but the 2024 pickup quickly found out that there will be plenty of competition in KC at wide receiver, and making the 53-man roster will be no easy feat.

On that note, Thornton made a very wise decision at mandatory minicamp. And it could help him steal a roster spot during training camp if it pans out.

Per KC Star beat reporter Jesse Newell on June 17, “WR Tyquan Thornton took reps at gunner” throughout minicamp. For those that are unfamiliar with this underrated NFL role, gunner is a key special teams position on the punt return coverage unit.

Typically, speedy, tough and instinctive players thrive at gunner, as they are tasked with getting to and stopping the punt returner first as he hovers under the football. It’s also the gunner’s job to keep the ball out of the end zone when attempting to pin a team inside the 20- or 10-yard line.

A really impactful gunner can sometimes earn a roster spot based on that skillset alone, so Thornton trying out for these duties is certainly notable — especially when you factor in his elite speed.

“[Thornton] impressed in OTAs,” Newell continued on June 17, stating: “So, him adding special teams value could be important as he tries to make [the] roster.”

Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton Must Prove Himself When the Pads Come on During Training Camp

Thornton has something most other roster bubble candidates don’t: draft status.

Nikko Remigio, Justyn Ross and newcomer Jason Brownlee are all former undrafted rookies, for example, as are promising rookies like Mac Dalena and Elijhah Badger.

Of course, Thornton was not drafted by the Chiefs, like Skyy Moore. But his status as a former second-round talent does earn him some more attention from the coaching staff this time of year.

Having said that, Thornton will still have to prove himself when the pads come on if he wants to make this Chiefs roster in 2025.

After a hot start at OTAs, Thornton’s name wasn’t mentioned as much at minicamp. Which typically means less involvement on offense.

He’s a big-play threat not just on deep hook-ups with Patrick Mahomes, but after the catch on shorter connections, too. Traits like that are very valuable in head coach Andy Reid’s offense, and there’s a case to be made that Thornton brings more to the table than a player like Moore or Remigio.

The latter has a special ability as a top-notch returner, however. So, if Thornton is going to compete with that, he may need to win one of the aforementioned gunner roles after all.

Chiefs Wide Receiver Battle Looks More Competitive Than Ever in 2025

Somehow, all the talented Chiefs WRs listed above are likely duking it out for one roster spot. That includes Thornton, Remigio, Moore, Ross, Brownlee, Dalena and Badger.

And that’s a good way to show just how deep and strong this wide receiver roster battle will be this summer.

Playmakers like Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown and drafted rookie Jalen Royals are either locks or virtual locks to make the 53 at the top of the WR corps, barring injury. Then, the WR5 spot goes to veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster, who reminded everyone of his trusty chemistry with Mahomes at minicamp.

Smith-Schuster is also a staff favorite who plays a gritty role in the run game, and it would be somewhat shocking if he were cut at the tail end of August.

Running the numbers, that leaves one or two more spots, max. But the Chiefs will only keep seven wide receivers if their special teams value is undeniable.

Thornton appears to be doing his best to prove his ST value is, and that’s never a bad idea.

Michael Obermuller covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, where he began writing in 2021. His areas of focus include the Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Pittsburgh Steelers, with expert knowledge on each based on years of coverage. Michael is an NYC area native and Quinnipiac graduate. More about Michael Obermuller