The Las Vegas drafted two wide receivers last season who got a chance to see the field in 2025. Fourth-round pick Donte Thornton Jr. got to see the field the most, but his lack of production led to him falling down the depth chart by the end of the season.
Thornton Jr. was always a project from Tennessee. While he had an impressive athletic profile, Thornton Jr.’s route-running skills were raw. However, this offseason, John Spytek added two more receivers to the mix, both of whom have the speed to win over the top. Jalen Nailor and Malik Benson could be players who gain snaps over Thornton if he doesn’t improve.
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On the Locked on Raiders podcast, former Raiders offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy said he sees the writing on the wall for Thornton Jr.
“With that in mind and the fact that the Raiders went out and got Nailor and went out and targeted Nailor, that tells me there might be the writing on the wall for Dont’e Thornton. You’ve got to pick it up. You’ve got to show your value. You’ve got to show your worth. And I don’t suppose after this year, they’re going to keep Nailor, Thornton and Tre Tucker. They’re kind of three of the same receivers in many ways.”
It is an important year for Thornton Jr. to display his value and what he can do on the football field. Hopefully, he can make a leap and prepare to become another day three steal for the franchise.
In other Raiders links:
This week’s Silver and Black mailbag: Matt Holder is answering fans’ questions in this week’s Silver and Black mailbag.
Jalen Nailor settled at home before the first Raiders camp begins: The Raiders wide receiver is settling in with his new team before camp begins.
