There has been a lot of hype around Raiders’ fourth-round pick Dont’e Thornton over the last few weeks, and that energy has extended to the Raiders’ own media team.
Levi Edwards covers the team for Raiders.com and Edwards made a strong statement about Thornton on Tuesday.
According to Edwards, Thornton has been arguably the best rookie on the team during this year’s organized offseason activities.
That’s a big statement from Edwards because the Raiders added a few highly touted rookies in this year’s draft and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty might have been the most dynamic player in the 2025 draft.
The Raiders knew they were getting a talented wide receiver when they drafted Thornton, but it’s starting to sound like they got a little more than they were expecting in the Tennessee speedster.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vinny Bonsignore, Thornton has shown himself to be more polished in practice than what he showed in college.
“Thornton was still thought to need plenty of polish to become a productive pro receiver. His college offense wasn’t too sophisticated. At OTAs, however, his footwork at the line of scrimmage appeared more advanced than advertised and his route running looked crisp. He could be further along than suspected,” Bonsignore reported on Sunday.
“Thornton is also taking reps as a kick returner for the Raiders. His speed and athletic ability could make him a huge factor on special teams.”
League insider Tony Pauline, who was first to report the latest issue around Christian Wilkins’ foot, has been complimentary of the Vegas draft and was particularly impressed with where they were able to get Thornton in the draft.
Pauline had a third-round grade on Thornton, and he believes the 6’4 speedster is going to make teams regret letting him slip to the fifth round.
“Dont’e Thornton Jr. is a developing wideout who displayed big-play ability last season at Tennessee,” Pauline wrote on Wednesday. “He’s tall, sure-handed and fast, timing 4.30 during combine workouts and playing to that speed on the field. His upside is incredible, and two years from now, people will wonder why he slid into Day 3.”
x: @raidersbeat
Yup, big things are going to happen. Raiders are going to unleash a giant can of whip *** on the patriots. We are coming to get you Mcstupid and Vabrel. Koonce and Crosby will take care of Mae no worries!!
I just hope they don’t do nothing stupid and cut him like they did with George Atkinson’s son didn’t give him a chance and he was a hell of a ball player a great running back but just what they do get rid of all the good players.
I seriously doubt that “Competition Pete” will be part of the past practice “doing what they do.” Let go of the last 22 years and let yourself watch and support the new regime and team. You’re in for good times.