The Kansas City Chiefs have invested significant draft capital and free agent dollars to build a top-tier wide receiver group. They also look for hidden gems and may have discovered one in a former New England Patriots second-round pick.
General Manager Brett Veach enjoys acquiring cast-offs from other NFL teams. He has a long history of doing so, transforming the Kansas City Chiefs into a consistent Super Bowl contender.
His latest project was a four-year performer at Baylor, and he was selected as the 50th overall pick by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft. He has speed, can play on special teams, and has a chance to make the 2025 Chiefs roster.
Early in the off-season, it is evident that Tyquan Thornton was something special. The former Big 12 second-team receiver never got a proper chance in New England. It’s a place where wide receivers often struggle to establish themselves in the NFL.
Starting fresh in Kansas City, Thornton has a chance to become a key contributor for the Chiefs. But as he fights for the final receiver spot, he faces tough competition from Nikko Remigio, Skyy Moore, Justyn Ross, and undrafted free agent Elijah Badger.
To support his cause, special teams coach Dave Taub chose to use him as a Gunner in OTAs and Mini-Camps, and all accounts suggest he is a strong fit for the Chiefs.
Potentially, if he can adapt to Patrick Mahomes, stand out in the upcoming training camp, and beat out many roster contenders, Thornton could make an impact this season.
Now, despite his gifts, talents, and success at the college level, he has only three career touchdowns, including one rushing in the NFL. Yes, he didn’t get a fair shot in New England, and since they haven’t had a quarterback since Tom Brady left, we can’t ignore his overall talent.
I’ll always support the underdog, and I believe that even though the long odds suggest Thornton might not make the final 53-man roster, I wouldn’t say his chances are a long shot.
Kansas City is loaded at the receiver position with Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and fourth-round pick Jalen Royals. If the Chiefs want to maintain the speed theme and can find a few plays to showcase Thornton’s talents, the coaching staff will face an important decision in preseason games.
I believe he can surpass Skyy Moore and the others. However, his position on the roster might depend on whether he can beat out Remigio. Currently, Remigio is the primary kick and punt returner, but Royals could also assume those roles.
For Toub, he usually secures one or two key spots on his special teams unit, and if Thornton, with his 4.2 speed, can lock down one of the gunner positions, he will probably make the roster.
Ultimately, with a focus on speed this off-season and a roster of athletic, fast receivers, I like Thornton’s chances to play in the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Still, he’s a name to watch in August.
