We’re running a mailbag every Friday during training camp. If you have questions on the Patriots, NFL, or want to gripe about past answers, email cmason@masslive.com or tweet @bychrismason. Now let’s get to this week’s questions!
Is the Tyquan Thornton hype this season for real? Or is he just a good practice receiver? – Trav
Thornton has delivered a productive summer, but seeing will be believing with the 24-year-old wideout. His hype train shouldn’t get any real steam until he shows up on game day.
The 2022 second-rounder has served as the first team’s “X” receiver since the start of training camp, he’s added good weight, and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is really high on him; Thornton is doing everything he can right now.
“His ability to separate is special,” Van Pelt said. “His speed down the field, his ability to run away from coverage in man coverage, all those things. He’s really been tough at the catch point this year so he’s getting stronger in that regard. Hopefully we can see him shine here in this next game (at Washington).”
While the first few sentences of that are encouraging for Patriots fans, the last line is the most meaningful. Thornton has always been a player with a ton of potential — heck, he ran a 4.28 second 40-yard dash at the Combine — but through two seasons he’s yet to stay on the field and put it all together. He needs to actually shine when the lights are bright.
“Two years in, I haven’t done anything, basically,” Thornton said bluntly earlier this summer.
He’s positioned himself well during camp, and on a depth chart that doesn’t boast a true “X” right now, opportunity knocks. Now it’s on Thornton to answer.
“My personal goal is to be the best version of myself,” Thornton said after Thursday’s practice. “Make a lot of plays and help this team win.”
Realistically, how many holes do the Patriots try to fill through the waiver wire next week? What’s a realistic amount of claims the team would make? — James
I’ll go with three.
There are two spots that jump out to me, and then there’s always room for a wild card. I think tight end and safety are obvious positions where the Patriots are thin and could have some luck on the waiver wire. New England could use a reliable third tight end — think Pharaoh Brown — and a decent number of those guys can become available on cutdown day. I think they could use another conventional free safety, too, so it’s worth watching the wire there.
Then there’s always room for a surprise.
The Patriots have a clear need at tackle, but I don’t think they’ll land one via this avenue. Teams just don’t part with good tackles — especially on waivers.
What’s your prediction for the 2024 Patriots final record? — Mike
Currently? 4-13. But I reserve the right to change my mind after the final preseason game. We’ll have official predictions as a staff coming soon.
Do you think Cole Strange is still a part of this team now and for the future? — @julez_who
I do.
If Strange was healthy, he’d certainly be competing with Sidy Sow and Layden Robinson right now, and having two quality guards — whichever two win out — would allow Mike Onwenu to play tackle. That’d probably be for the best given New England’s all-over-the-place tackle play in camp.
“We’re trying to find the best five guys,” Van Pelt said Thursday. “Maybe not the best five players, but the best five guys that work together as a unit right now, and that’s still a work in progress. Hopefully, this game will solidify that for us.”
Should the Pats try to store Joe Milton on the practice squad and add depth elsewhere or keep 3 QBs on the roster? — Conor M.
I’m keeping Milton on the 53-man roster for two reasons:
1. I think it’d be foolish to expose him to waivers after a summer of mentoring. Given the lack of depth the Patriots have right now, there’s not a real roster crunch. Why play with fire?
2. Milton needs to be on the 53-man roster to be eligible as the emergency third quarterback. If the Patriots want plenty of security on game day this fall, it makes sense to carry Milton on the active roster.
What road game (excluding London) are you most excited to attend this season? — Miller
Chicago.
(Somehow) I’ve never been, and if Drake Maye overtakes Jacoby Brissett by that point, his matchup with No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams would be a really fun one.
