One of the players who turned heads during OTAs for the Las Vegas Raiders was rookie wide receiver Dont’e Thornton. At 6’5 and running a 4.3 40-yard dash at the draft combine, Thornton was viewed as a deep threat target with potential to grow into more with some development time.
As a senior, he caught just 26 passes, but led the nation with his 25.4 yards per reception, while also adding six touchdowns. Some things just can’t be taught, and Thornton has all of the physical traits that reminded Raiders owner Mark Davis of his father, the late, great Al Davis.
“Mark [Davis] joked that was the Al Davis pick of this draft,” Raiders general manager John Spytek said after drafting Thornton, via the team’s official website. “The height, weight, speed, raw traits, athleticism, speed, and I think it’s just focusing on what he can do and what he can be. … You watch his target tape, I think it’s pretty impressive. And we think he hasn’t hit his ceiling yet.”
It can not be argued that Thornton is precisely the type of receiver Al Davis would have loved just based on his physical attributes. That combination of size and speed is not often seen, and he could provide new Raiders QB Geno Smith with a genuine deep threat to open up this offense.
But the fourth-round pick is showing himself to be more than just someone who can run fast, as he seems to be far more developed than believed when he was drafted. His footwork and route running appear to be far more advanced than initially thought, as the offense run at Tennessee was a simple one in which Thornton didn’t have to showcase it. He is also taking reps as a kick returner, so it sounds as if the Raiders are looking to find ways to get him on the field.
Al Davis’ imprint will forever be on this Raiders franchise, and a pick like Thornton will conjure up some good memories, and even more if he delivers once the season begins.
Jakobi Meyers wants to stay with Raiders long-term
Thornton could carve out a role for himself in this Raiders’ offense, but the top receiver remains Jakobi Meyers, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season. He is entering the final year of his deal, but the criminally underrated receiver made it clear that he hopes to remain with the Raiders long-term. However, Meyers wouldn’t go into details on how negotiations are coming along.
