Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. saw a noticeable increase in media hype after his blazing 4.30-second 40-yard dash, but how does his full NFLscouting report look?
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Overview, Film Analysis, And 2025 Scouting Report Of Tennessee WR Dont’e Thornton Jr.
Measurables:
6’5”
205 lbs
Player Background:
One of the Top-100 players in the class of 2021, Dont’e Thornton Jr. was aconsensus four-star recruit and Top-15 wide receiver in the nation. He committed to Oregon out of Mount Saint Joseph High School in Maryland. Two of the 14 games he played in were starts, racking up nine grabs for 175 yards and two scores. The year 2022 was his last season with the Ducks, sitting out the team’s final game and entering the transfer portal.
He started just three of the 11 games he played in, accumulating 17 catches for 366 yards and a touchdown. Thornton Jr. was ranked as a four-star transfer and decided to commit to the Tennessee Volunteers. His first year was quite underwhelming, as he played in just nine games. In those nine games, he caught just 13 passes for 224 yards and a TD. He finally showed some of his expected upside in 2024, passing the 600-yard mark with six TDs on 26 grabs.
Accolades:
Shrine Bowl Invitee (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
Thornton Jr.’s physical abilities are a combination straight out of a video game. He’s 6’5”, runs a 4.30-second 40-yard dash, and his length and speed are very visible on tape. His yards-after-catch abilities are electric in space, outrunning just about anyone to any direction. That three-pronged sword in itself makes defenders have to play him tighter and chippier, giving him some desirable matchups if he can win early. He consistently separates late in plays when driving downfield, hitting top speed quickly and using his length well at the catch point.
His acceleration through cuts is fun to watch when he’s able to round them out and laterally dissect coverages. Aside from deeper throws, Thornton Jr. shines on comeback routes. His footwork when opening his hips back to the QB is sharp, and he drops his hips smoothly to settle in space. He also excels at the catch point in just about all aspects. He tracks the ball well and times his extension with precision to put himself in the best position to reel in passes. His hands are quick and technical in tight coverages, and he shows great awareness to secure passes in tougher windows. He’s also a useful blocker, strong enough to win against corners and smart enough to drive them away from open lanes.
Weaknesses/Cons:
Like many receivers with similar rare blends of size and speed, he’s much more of an athlete than a football player at times. Thornton Jr.’s releases are often a rough spot, either looking too stiff or too choppy. His stop-and-start movements need work as an all-around feature. His non-vertical routes are started with much less intent and explosiveness, making them predictable. A big downside to being his size is the natural stiffness in his upper half. He won’t be able to work through routes with the fluidity of smaller wideouts. It also limits his compact abilities when contorting in the short passing game.
It’s clear that he’s much more raw technically when he works through a defense during his routes. Thornton Jr.’s entire route tree is still unknown, having rarely run anything other than vertical or sit-down routes. He gets bumped by physicality often and gets visibly uncomfortable in traffic. The rawness really comes back to bite him on quick hitters, with too much inconsistency in flipping his head and tending to take too much time to do so. His biggest issue after the catch is indecisiveness. He tries to let things develop too often instead of using his athleticism to fire downfield.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Volunteers QB Nico Iamaleava’s processing issues absolutely played a part in Thornton Jr.’s production being below expectations. His tape is much better than what his numbers say, however, he’s a player built more on flash than substance. His burning speed and showcasing of some good hands and solid footwork make him a desirable rotational option. He’s nowhere near a complete player, but he gets open enough and offers enough of an on-paper mismatch to project nicely as a pace-changing deep threat.
Prospect Grade:
Early 5th Round
Film Exposures:
2024 vs. Oklahoma
2024 vs. Mississippi State
2024 vs. Alabama
Main Photo: Nelson Chenault – Imagn Images