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The New England Patriots raised some eyebrows by selecting Baylor wide receiver Tyquan Thornton in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
What's undeniable with Thornton, however, is his speed. At the NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis in March, the 6-foot-2 Thornton ran the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds -- the fastest at the event.
Can having those kinds of afterburners translate into being a deep threat for Mac Jones?
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On the latest episode of the Next Pats Podcast, Phil Perry is joined by Jeff Grimes, the offensive coordinator at Baylor last year during Thornton's senior season, who witnessed firsthand Thornton's unique set of wheels.
"I just know every time I called a play that sent him deep, I asked myself, 'Why am I not doing this more?'" Grimes told Perry. "'Why am I not running this guy deep and throwing the ball up to him every other play?' He has a unique ability to separate."
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Grimes described Thornton as driven, aiming to please and not wanting to fight his coaches or anyone else who has his best interest in mind.
"If people are encouraging him or setting a goal for him and then helping him put a plan in place, I think he'll match that with his effort," Grimes said.
Also discussed in the episode: What other traits will make Tyquan Thornton a good receiver in the NFL? Phil also shares some impressions from mandatory minicamp.
Check out the latest episode of the Next Pats Podcast on the NBC Sports Boston Podcast Network, or watch on YouTube below: