JD PicKell reveals the two biggest variables that will determine Payton Thorne's success at Auburn

Payton Thorne can’t do it all by himself, but the new Auburn quarterback might be set up for success after transferring from Michigan State.

But On3’s J.D. PicKell pointed out the two biggest variables to ensure his success with the Tigers. Namely, the offensive line holding up and at least one pass catcher stepping up at wide receiver.

PicKell broke it down on The Hard Count.

“But what I’m trying to tell you is somebody in this wide receiver room needs to step up for Payton Thorne,” PicKell said. “To throw the football, to maximize the potential and the ability that you have now with Payton Thorne at your quarterback position, because those things kind of feed off each other right? You don’t have to be elite or be all world but good enough to where that’s still a threat within our offense. Okay, so Payton Thorne stage is set.

“The stage is set. You got steady hands on the wheel. With Auburn, you can now set some more expectations for them having some more things that you feel better about within Auburn’s offense and as a whole their team.”

Payton Thorne set up for success at Auburn

If Thorne is successful, it only elevates the entire team. He had previous success with the Spartans.

“It’s going to help everybody, the playmakers, the defense, the offensive line, it’s going to help everybody,” PicKell said. “But we still need the offensive line to be better than last year and be as improved as we think they are. They have transfer portal offensive lineman to help the quarterback and the past catchers, man gotta have somebody step up. 

“Don’t have to be all world, gotta be good enough to make Payton Thorne’s ability pay dividends, so I’m excited to see it.”

So how does Thorne make sense for Auburn? On3’s Matt Zenitz spoke with multiple sources on his fit in the Tigers’ offense.

“I think, personally, he’s going to bring leadership, accuracy, toughness and game experience,” one Power Five personnel director said. “I think he’s one of the more accurate quarterbacks that’s been out there. He can sit in the pocket. He’s got good feet. He can hit first and second level (throws) really well. Third level, he’s got good enough arm strength to push the ball there. I think you can do a variety of things with him.”

Thorne regressed in 2022 with 2,679 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions as the Spartans finished 5-7.  But his 2021 production included 3,240 passing yards, 27 touchdown passes, four rushing scores and only 10 interceptions while helping Michigan State post an 11-2 record.