FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts. – Quick thoughts and notes about the New England Patriots and the NFL:
1. Thornton Fit: Given the latest chapter in the Patriots’ shaky history of selecting receivers early in the draft – when they tapped N’Keal Harry at the end of the 2019 first round – the status of 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton has been a standout story through nine training camp practices. .
Just as the Patriots picked Harry over Debo Samuel, AJ Brown and DK Metcalfe in 2019, this year they picked Thornton ahead of a string of receivers that included George Pickens (Steelers), Alec Pierce (Colts) and Ski Moore (Chiefs).
There are early signs that a 2019-type scenario is not repeating itself.
Teammate Jacoby Myers said, “It’s exciting to watch him grow up, honestly, because he came from a somewhat dubious position.” “Then he started to become real. A real talent. I’m just glad he’s with us.”
The 6-foot-2, 182-pound Thornton, who was the fastest receiver in the 2022 NFL (4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash), acknowledged that his arrival in the spring came with some initial upsets.
“The first week was kind of tough for a lot of us, just coming from the transition from college to the NFL,” he said, adding that he quickly settled into a more consistent routine.
Scenes from the stands: Speedy WR Tyquan Thornton (Second Round, Baylor) beat the cheerleaders early in his first NFL training camp. pic.twitter.com/JRkKywe1Jp
– Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 4, 2022
In doing so, receivers coach Ross Douglas said of Thornton last week: “He’s gotten better every time he steps on the field. He really has a lot of gifts. It’s not just his speed, but his ability to change direction and his ball skills. He’s got a good stance and he’s got The guys in the room cuddled him up. His development will be key and we’ll take him there.”
Thornton’s reliable hands and ability to track the deep ball consistently shows up in 1-on-1 drills. Now comes the challenge of transferring that into the 11v11 drill, where he often works behind Myers, Devante Parker, Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne – a foursome that seems locked higher Depth chart.
Thornton, who has the support of a small section of fans who support him every day, also served as a gunner covering kicks – a role that could add value and help cement a spot on the 46-man game day roster.
“I like where he is at mentally,” said Agolor. “He has a growth mindset, he exercises hard, and he takes good notes.”
Cornerback Jalen Mills added, “We all know he’s fast. I think the most important thing to me, he doesn’t run his go-to runs every game. You see him run his short to medium runs as well.”
2. Mac & Judge: Last year, when quarterback Mack Jones came to the sideline, it was usually alongside former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Their connection was crucial to Jones’ successful rookie season. Who will be in 2022 may be most focused during the Thursday preseason opener against the Giants, likely quarterbacks coach Joe Judge.
“You can’t accelerate the relationship forward,” the judge said when asked about Jones. “You have to build on it every day. That comes in building trust, and that comes in learning each other and how to work with each other, and what this guy needs to help him be the best he can be. That’s my priority. For me, it’s all about open communication.” … He’s an intelligent player. He’s a hard worker. He knows what he likes, and he’s willing to tell you. But he’s also willing to try anything if it’s best for the team. He’s been fun to work with.”
3. “Walk All the Way”: How big of a deal is there to be made on the early inconsistency of the offense? That question lingers, however, as there was more “no chance” play — in which Jones and rookie Billy Zabe simply obliterated or discarded the football — than is usual for head coach Bill Belichick’s team. Part of that seems to have to do with the Patriots trying new things. Belichick said late last week that the team was “going slow” while adding that there were “miles to go” — which seems to mirror where the offense is with nine practices.
4 – Nomination of Kraft Company: Belichick nominated owner Robert Kraft’s Pro Football Hall of Fame in an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio’s “Movin’ The Chains.” Kraft is a semi-finalist, and while there are no specific criteria for the Hall of Famers, Belichick highlighted three layers that underpin Kraft’s status.
“He’s an exceptional owner,” Belichick said. “You look at what he’s done across the board. He’s made huge contributions to the league, in things like the CBA and other policies, and the growth of the league. He’s obviously done a great job here in New England, just keeping the team in New England and not letting it get away from here.” , and the success he has achieved.And off the field – only his philanthropy and contributions to society.
“You can put him in the Hall of Fame for any one of those. Get the three together and hopefully we can celebrate at Canton next year.”
5. Godchaux Value: Belichick opened his eyes when he referred to Davon Godchaux as “one of the best defensive linemen in the league” after the Patriots signed him to a two-year, $20.8 million extension. Defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington added context in explaining how Godchaux’s work is not easily detectable, but vital to the defense: “His ability to stop runs, defeat blockers and drive the pocket to impact a quarterback is [among] The best in the league.”
6. Juno’s transformation: Jono Smith’s 2021 production has yet to reach the four-year, $50 million contract he signed as a free agent, but there are signs that could change. “He had a wonderful vacation for us,” said the judge. Last year, the Patriots managed just 190 of their offensive plays (18%) with both Smith and teammate Hunter Henry on the field, according to ESPN Stats & Information. This number should increase in 2022.
7. Coming Rookie #: Belichick’s annual tradition of putting rookies with unconventional jersey numbers in 2022 ends this week with the team’s first preseason game in which league rules don’t allow things like Thornton, a receiver, to wear No. 51. “It’s going to be really sad,” Thornton said. with a smile. “I feel like 51 is part of me now – that big old T-shirt and me running around. I was having fun with it.”
Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship in Action: Patriots DLD coach Marcus Covington also met with reporters before one practice,
Keith Jones watched the process unfold.Jones, a graduate assistant at Arkansas, has an associate position during Patriots training camp. pic.twitter.com/xPPlFHFSIX
– Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 6, 2022
8. Collegiality in Action: As Covington answered reporters’ questions last week, Arkansas assistant coach Keith Jones graduated Look over his shoulder. It was a screenshot Bill Walsh Training Fellowship is in progress; Jones played for Covington’s Tennessee-Martin in 2015 and has been working at Patriots training camp this summer as an associate coach. “I’ve always learned as you keep climbing, you help pull others,” Covington said.
9. Follow Butler: When the Dolphins fired former Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler with a botched physical rating last week, some wondered if that might mean a return to New England for the inside pass. Sources say this is unlikely in the short term, as Butler must first address a lingering shoulder problem from last season. Meanwhile, LaBrian Ray (Alabama) has caught the eye as a Butler-type prospect—an undrafted free agent who is charging for a roster spot for his fast-passing skills.
10. Did you know? This year marks the first time since 2004 that the Patriots will not close out the start of the season with a game against the Giants.