Patriots trade up to No. 50, draft Baylor WR Tyquan Thornton

After one of the most curious picks in the first round on Thursday night, the Patriots have moved up to No. 50. With it, they are picking wide receiver Tyquan Thornton. Kansas City, meanwhile, receives picks 54 and 158.

Thornton played four seasons at Baylor, with two productive seasons in 2019 and 2021. Overall, he posted a career total of 143 receptions, 2,242 yards and 19 touchdowns — including 10 last year.

At 6-foot-3, he provides good size at the position. Despite that, it is his speed for which he is most well-known. Thornton ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, showcasing the vertical threat he figures to be at the NFL level. While their styles differ, the addition of Thornton could further point to former first-rounder N’Keal Harry being on his way out of New England.

This selection marks yet another wideout off the board in the top 50 selections. The Chiefs opted not to add a receiver with their pair of first-rounders on Thursday night, leaving many to expect them to target one on Day 2. They selected Western Michigan WR Skyy Moore with the No. 54 overall pick.