That kind of confidence is inherent in the position, whether it's Jaycee Horn or Mike Jacksonor a rookie who wasn't drafted at all. But Thornton also has something beyond a simple swagger, which makes his growth appear sustainable, and something that will continue.
When defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is asked about Thornton's game last week — which included five tackles, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble — it sounds like he's reading a shopping list for all the qualities you want in a cornerback.
"He did a great job, he was very effective," Evero began. "He knocked out the one fumble, he made the play in a deep part of the field in one of the last third downs of the game, he was active in terms of throwing his hands, being physical on the edge versus blockers, good coverage snaps, and so he did a really, really good job. The one thing about Corey though that, since Day 1, since he's got here, his preparation habits have been, second to none. I mean veteran habits, in the classroom, on the field, in the training room, in the weight room, how he takes care of his body.
"This guy is driven. He's on a mission. He's not going to be denied, and he's really just done a heck of a job. So it's great to see, when a guy has those type of habits and preparation, when those things come to life in the game. So, yeah, he's going to have a lot of opportunities moving forward."