Dont’e Thornton Jr. is quickly proving he belongs in the Raiders’ wide receiver mix as a fourth-round pick who brings a rare combination of size and speed. Drafted 108th overall this spring, the Oregon transfer who blossomed at Tennessee is turning preseason opportunities into tangible action.
Thornton’s college breakout came after he left Oregon, finding his stride at Tennessee. In 2024 he posted 26 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 25.4 yards per catch. His eye-opening performance in college helped him climb into the Raiders’ plans for the 2024 season.
At the NFL Combine, Thornton checked every box teams crave: a 4.30-second 40-yard dash and a tall frame at 6-foot-5, 205 pounds. Those physical traits carry into his summer work, where he’s generated buzz for his big-play ability and competitive ball skills.
The rookie’s preseason production has done more than just turn heads; it has earned him reps with the first-team offense. In the preseason finale, Thornton lined up near the end zone where quarterback Geno Smith targeted him on a back-shoulder throw near the front pylon. Thornton secured the catch for a touchdown, underscoring the confidence the offense seems to have in him.
Context matters for how Thornton fits in Las Vegas. The Raiders’ current top target is tight end Brock Bowers, while Jakobi Meyers sits as the presumed WR1. Tre Tucker remains a fast, slanted option who isn’t a traditional second receiver. In that environment, Thornton could step into the role of a second outside receiver if the Raiders trust him enough to see strong, early action.
Bottom line: Thornton is making a real case for a larger early-season role. His combination of size, speed, and preseason chemistry with the quarterback suggests he could become a valuable weapon sooner rather than later. If he continues to translate his college big-play ability to the NFL level and earns Geno Smith’s trust, Thornton could exceed expectations right out of the gate.
What to watch next:
– How Thornton performs against starting-caliber defenses in practice and early-season games.
– Whether his red-zone and outside-corner matchups become a recurring feature for Las Vegas.
– How his role evolves as the Raiders balance multiple receiving options, including Bowers, Meyers, and Tucker.
Summary: Thornton’s rookie arc is off to an encouraging start, built on elite athletic traits and proven playmaking ability. If he maintains momentum, he could push into a significant early-season role on a Raiders offense looking to stretch the field and diversify its targets. Positive trend indicators suggest a high-upside contribution as a versatile outside option.