The Las Vegas Raiders had a successful 2025 NFL Draft, their first under new general manager John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll. The team left the event with a franchise-record 11 players, touting new blood from various key position groups.
One of the most exciting prospects in the class is former Tennessee wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. At just under 6-foot-5 with 4.3-second 40-yard dash speed, he could have the most upside of any player in the crop.
He'll be able to take the top off of NFL defenses on Day 1, and with improved strength and a clever offensive coordinator like Chip Kelly, he could immediately contribute for the Raiders.
Las Vegas Raiders WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. (42).
Las Vegas Raiders WR Dont'e Thornton Jr. (42).
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Las Vegas' star defensive end Maxx Crosby was asked on the latest episode of "The Rush With Maxx Crosby" about which new players on the team have stood out in Phase 3 of the offseason program. He provided several names, but went on about Thornton in particular and compared him to a former Raiders wideout.
"Dont'e Thornton, the dude we drafted from Tennessee, the big receiver, 6-foot-4, another freak," Crosby said. "He reminds me of Martavis Bryant."
Bryant had a troubled NFL career, but he put together three solid campaigns for the Steelers before he came to Oakland in 2018. He only played eight games for the Raiders, but he caught 19 passes for 266 yards, and ran three times for 23 yards.
Similar to Thornton, Bryant stood at 6-foot-4 and ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash. Obviously, the hope is that Thornton can stay on the field more in his career and be a major component in the offense.
However, nobody could deny Bryant's talent, so this is a good place to start for the rookie.