The Kansas City Chiefs are off and rolling at OTAs. It's a special time of year, particularly because it allows fans to relish less-heralded players who could wind up making a difference once training camp arrives.
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is one of the most intriguing names at Chiefs practice thus far. He's made impressive plays after joining the practice squad last season, and while his battle to make the 53-man group won't be easy, he's turning heads.
One of those heads happens to be now second-year standout Xavier Worthy, who admitted that Thornton called him out after the Super Bowl and gave him some extra motivation, albeit jokingly.
Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy Admits Tyquan Thornton Called Him Out After Super Bowl
Speaking to the media this week, Worthy noted that Thornton, a speedy receiver in his own right, wanted to provide some extra motivation once the pain from the Philadelphia Eagles' defeat set in.
"Tyquan (Thornton) called me out last year, right after the Super Bowl, but I feel like I'm the fastest," said Worthy. "Hollywood, Tyquan, we got a lot of guys out there ready to compete and a lot of guys ready to get the ball deep."
Worthy's comments are intriguing, not only because of what they could mean for his own personal development but also for that of the receiver room. Originally a second-round pick out of Baylor in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Thornton is considered a blazer with solid size at 6-foot-2. If he could develop into a downfield threat, perhaps he'll take over the sixth wideout role that's currently being battled for.
Rashee Rice, Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Jalen Royals all have firm spots on the depth chart. One would correctly assume that JuJu Smith-Schuster, Nikko Remigio, and even Skyy Moore are ahead of Thornton, but the waves the latter is making early in OTAs suggest he could battle for a spot.
Thornton only has 39 catches for 385 yards and two TDs during his three-year career. However, he could still be a difference-maker, especially considering the number of unexpected injuries that Kansas City dealt with last year.
It's great to see Worthy and his teammate building rapport, and it's clear that Thornton is a name to watch for the rest of the summer.