5 NFL Players Who Could Shed the 'Bust' Label in 2024 Season | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

The New England Patriots offense has been a disaster since the departure of Tom Brady. While quarterback woes have been the crux of these issues, a clear lack of quality receiving talent and a poor coaching staff severely hamstrung New England's chances to be competitive on that side of the ball.

That could change in 2024 thanks to a new regime headed up by head coach Jerod Mayo and a potential franchise quarterback selection at No. 3 overall in the upcoming draft. These adjustments could result in wideout Tyquan Thornton, a disappointing second-round pick for the Patriots two years ago, turning his career around.

While Thornton looked like he could help New England immediately thanks to his electric playmaking skills he displayed at Baylor, his initial pro season got off to a slow start due to injuries that kept him off the field for the first month.

Thornton still showed some potential as a rookie but largely failed to move the needle with 22 catches on 45 targets for 247 yards and two touchdowns.

Rather than build on that performance, Thornton further struggled with health and regressed to catch 13 of his 23 targets for 91 yards in nine games last year. That pitiful showing, especially with a clear lack of talented pass-catchers to contend with for reps, has the 23-year-old looking like a bust heading into a pivotal third season.

Don't write Thornton off just yet, however, as the Patriots offense may find a spark now that Mac Jones has been traded and the offense is no longer being orchestrated by Bill O'Brien—who struggled in the offensive coordinator role last year—and Matt Patricia, who was out of his depth calling plays during Thornton's rookie season.

Alex Van Pelt—a promising talent who spent the last four years as the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator and coaching staff—is set to handle the offensive play-calling duties in Foxborough. His presence, coupled with a new quarterback, could make the Pats' aerial attack far more dangerous than it has been over the last half-decade.

If Thornton stays on the field and reaches his potential, the Patriots may not need as much help in the receiver's room as it seems.