The Patriots wanted to get faster this offseason.
On Friday night, they may have added the new fastest player on their roster.
The Pats drafted Baylor wide receiver Tyquan Thornton at 50th overall, after moving up in a trade with Kansas City that cost them a second-rounder at No. 54 and fifth-round pick at No. 158.
Thornton is a deep threat with good hands who can also return kicks.
He clocked a 4.28 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, one of the fastest times in the class, and posted some of the best marks in the broad and vertical jumps. Though he plays tougher, Thornton is rail thin at 6-2, 181 pounds. Last season, he caught 62 passes for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Patriots started the draft by trading back from 21st overall to No. 29 in a deal with Kansas City on Thursday night. The Pats used that pick to select Chattanooga offensive guard Cole Strange, who should start Week 1 at left guard. Strange is one of the most seasoned and athletic offensive linemen in the draft.
