Las Vegas Raiders Select Dont’e Thornton Jr. in Draft
The city of Las Vegas is buzzing with excitement following the Raiders’ selection of wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. with the 108th pick in the recent NFL draft. This pick is seen as a strategic move to help the team enhance its offensive capabilities.
Thornton turned heads at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine with a remarkable 4.30-second time in the 40-yard dash, showcasing his incredible speed. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5, he has the kind of size that could give defenders a tough time. Raiders owner Mark Davis noted that this selection reminded him of his father, Hall of Famer Al Davis, who had a known preference for drafting dynamic athletes.
According to Raiders general manager John Spytek, this selection was an “Al Davis pick,” focusing on Thornton’s outstanding physical traits. “You watch his target tape, and I think it’s pretty impressive,” Spytek stated. During his senior season at Tennessee, Thornton recorded 661 yards and six touchdowns from just 26 receptions, leading to a jaw-dropping average of 25.4 yards per catch. His ability to achieve such high yardage per reception highlights his potential to become a big-play threat for the Raiders.
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly expressed enthusiasm regarding Thornton’s unique attributes, considering him the ideal type of receiver. “There’s not a lot of humans on this planet that do that,” Kelly said, referring to Thornton’s blend of size and speed. He believes that Thornton’s footwork and agility will allow him to maneuver effectively on the field.
The Raiders have undergone a shift this offseason, bringing in head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith, aiming to strengthen their offense with a solid running game, complemented by play-action passes. With a young and inexperienced wide receiver room, Thornton could find himself on the field quite a bit during his rookie year.
As the team prepares for training camp, Carroll is eager to see how Thornton and other rookies adjust to the professional level. “The idea is to force those guys to play early and make them have to play well,” Carroll said, showing confidence in their ability to develop into contributors.
Overall, the addition of Thornton has added a fresh wave of optimism among Las Vegas fans, as the Raiders look to build a competitive team this season.
