Emerging Chiefs playmaker has displayed chemistry with Patrick Mahomes, but knows special teams is his ticket to making roster

One of the standouts of Chiefs training camp this year has been wide receiver Tyquan Thornton.

Acquired by Kansas City midway through the 2024 season, Thornton was prepared for the offseason after spending a couple of months on the Chiefs' practice squad. He was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but injuries hindered his tenure in New England.

Thornton has consistently ran with the first-team offense throughout training camp, which is pretty telling about how the Chiefs feel about him. Following Saturday's practice, Thornton discussed the chemistry he has established with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

"[I'm] just going out there and doing my job," Thornton said. "He (Mahomes) is going to do his job. I go out there and run fast, and he's going to put it where it's supposed to be, and I just have to make the play. The way he can extend the play, and his throwing accuracy, sometimes he'll make you open even if you're not. So, just have to have your hands available, ready to make the play."

It will be great if Thornton develops into a legitimate weapon on offense, but with so many other WRs ahead of him on the depth chart, Thornton knows his ticket to the 53-man roster is excelling on special teams. He has been in the mix at punt returner, which he got his feet wet with during his time with the Patriots.

"I did it back in New England a little bit in practice, but not in a game situation," Thornton said. "I do them every day out here now, so I'm just getting better at it."

The Chiefs are also utilizing Thornton on special teams as the gunner, which he learned to play under the tutelage of one of the best to ever play that position, Matthew Slater.

"In New England, playing behind a guy like Matthew Slater, I learned a lot," Thornton said. "I took a lot from him. So I apply that coming out here, and do what I do."

Between playing WR, kick returner, and gunner, Thornton should see plenty of action throughout the preseason. Displaying that versatility will be crucial to him making the 53-man roster come late August.