New England Patriots wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins was one of the most impressive players during training camp last year for the Patriots, and he’s picked up right where he’s left off in the late summer this offseason. After earning praise from Tom Brady and beat writers for some acrobatic catches and TDs on the first day of camp yesterday, KT added another impressive catch today.
Musket Fire
According to the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe, Thompkins beat superstar cornerback Darrelle Revis for a diving touchdown reception today, and while it’s only one play, it’s yet another difficult touchdown haul-in for the second-year Cincinnati product. It also came against arguably the best cornerback in the game, which is praise-worth even in practice. We figured Brady and the two young Patriots QBs wouldn’t test the new star at CB often in camp, but Thompkins rose to the occasion when Revis was tested in the end zone.
Last season, Thompkins caught 32 passes for 466 yards and four touchdowns while battling nagging injuries near the end of the year, and he should be a solid possession receiver going forward for the Patriots. He came into training camp without a guaranteed roster spot, and there are still no guarantees for either him or fellow second-year wideout Josh Boyce. But both are too talented to cut, and Thompkins is proving early on that he belongs. His most memorable play last year was obviously that game-winning catch against the New Orleans Saints, and here’s to hoping that the smart, clean route-runner can be a key chain-mover in the Pats offense next year and keep up the circus catches.