3 New England Patriots who need to take the subsequent step this season

In 2023, there are at the very least three New England Patriots gamers who will really feel distinctive strain to take the subsequent step at their positions. 

Despite the fact that the NFL is the world’s premier skilled gridiron soccer league, it takes time for its most proficient athletes to grow to be Corridor of Fame legends. No Canton inductee entered the sector as a completed product, because it typically took years of enjoying on the skilled degree to turn into actually transcendental at soccer. Tom Brady absorbed data throughout his rookie season, and Rob Gronkowski exploded after his rookie debut.

Whereas younger gamers do want time to develop, there’s additionally a degree by which gamers are anticipated to speed up their improvement and take significant strides on the sector. New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones beat out Cam Newton for the beginning job in his rookie season, but in an underwhelming sophomore season, reporters murmured about the potential of a Bailey Zappe takeover. Elsewhere on offense and protection, different stars progressing by means of their rookie contracts must exhibit main strides in 2023 in an effort to earn large follow-up contracts.

The Patriots have scouted vital expertise by means of the previous couple of drafts, however for the next three gamers, they’ll must amplify their enjoying potential and get probably the most out of those athletes in 2023.

3 New England Patriots who need to take the subsequent step this season

3. Tyquan Thornton, WR

Tyquan Thornton featured prominently in New England’s gameplan in 2022, however the second-round large receiver didn’t function prominently sufficient given his measurables. Thornton impressed in camp final 12 months when onlookers in New England witnessed his pace and agility firsthand, however his numbers throughout his rookie season weren’t as spectacular.

Thornton began in 9 of 13 video games and caught 22 of 45 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Averaging a good 11.2 yards per reception, Thornton’s meager catch price of 48.9 p.c gives him a chance to develop within the upcoming season.

Beforehand, Patriots offensive coordinator Invoice O’Brien led the Patriots’ offense in 2011, later main the Houston Texans offense in addition to the Alabama Crimson Tide. O’Brien was in a position to highlight the expertise of deep-threat receivers resembling DeAndre Hopkins, Will Fuller V and Jameson Williams, and whereas O’Brien is a proponent of two-tight finish units, he must also be able to devising a gameplan using Thornton extra successfully.

To this point, Thornton has appeared promising at camp this summer time below O’Brien’s tutelage, and Thornton’s former coach at Baylor believes that Thornton is “pumped up” about having a coordinator that may “put him in positions to succeed.”

“I’m certain that falls proper into Tyquan’s wheelhouse,” mentioned Chansi Stuckey, Thornton’s receivers coach at Baylor. “I’m certain he’s enthusiastic about getting used and getting alternatives for use to his skillset.”