Patriots Coordinator’s Praise Could Signal Breakout Season For Wideout

For as much talk there's been about the quarterbacks, the Patriots wide receiver corps hasn't received a lot of attention.

That's not due to them being a bad group. Outside of QB, New England's were one of the bright spots of the offseason with DeMario Douglas flashing his speed and rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker showing their potential to be regular-season contributors.

Tyquan Thornton frequently finds himself in practice highlight reels, but the third-year wide receiver dealt with injuries throughout his first two seasons with the Patriots. The 23-year-old was "monitoring" a soft tissue injury, but once again, he's been a standout at practice. And the work he's put in hasn't gone unnoticed.

"His ability to separate is special," offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt told reporters. "His speed down the field, his ability to run away from (zone) coverage and man coverage, all those things. And he's been really tough at the catch point this year, too. So he's getting stronger in that regard. Hopefully, we'll get to see shine here in this next game."

Thornton largely operated as the X receiver in practice, which signals him as a top option. If the wideout can combine his speed -- Thornton clocked in one of the fastest unofficial 40-yard dash times in NFL combine history -- along with his growing physical traits, he could be a field-stretcher the New England offense needs.