Former Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton is looking to make an impact during his first NFL training camp this summer.
The 6-foot-5 wideout was drafted with the 108th pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders to give newly acquired quarterback Geno Smith another weapon down the field.
During a camp workout over the weekend, that’s exactly where Smith found Thornton.
In a video clip posted to X by KTNV’s Nick Walters, Smith found Thornton in the endzone during a play in the team’s mock game from training camp. It’s hard to see exactly what Thornton did to get so wide open, but he certainly created enough space for the touchdown grab.
The #Raiders may have found a 4th-round gem like they did with Maxx Crosby 👀
Geno Smith connects with camp standout WR Dont’e Thornton on a free play in the team’s mock game. pic.twitter.com/uSgmLw1mmL
— Nick Walters (@nickwalt) August 2, 2025
Walters’ post also notes that Thornton has been a “camp standout” this summer, even comparing the possibility of a breakout fourth-round selection like All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby.
The Las Vegas Sun’s Case Keefer also noted a 65-yard touchdown reception that Thornton had over the weekend, this one over fellow rookie cornerback Darien Porter. Keefer even went on to call Thornton a “revelation” out of Tennessee.
Here’s another deep ball that Thornton caught for a touchdown during camp, reminding many Tennessee fans of his 2024 season with the Vols.
Dont’e Thornton Jr over Jack Bech.
The reason. This right here.
Thornton could be a league winner this season! pic.twitter.com/oyrQGN10jk
— William Spencer III (@hype_phinest) July 29, 2025
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For what it’s worth, people on social media seem to be buying stock in the Raiders’ rookie receiver. He’ll be in a room this season with Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker, giving him a real chance to see good playing time on the field, especially if he can be that deep threat that the Raiders seemingly brought him in to be.
Keep your eyes on Thornton this season. He’s got a good chance to break out as a rookie with the Raiders.
Dont’e Thornton is 6’5″ & ran a 4.3 forty. Absurd
He joins only Calvin Johnson & DK Metcalf to be 6’4″+ & run 4.35 or faster
Running w/ 1s & catching bombs daily in camp
Geno Smith = QB3, QB9, & QB5 in deep ball completion past 3 seasons
Highest Upside 2025 Deep Sleeper WR
— Wolf of Roto Street (@RotoStreetWolf) August 3, 2025
Dont’e Thornton Jr. is easily one of my favorite rookie sleepers
Led the entire 2025 class (min. 10 targets) with 25.5 Y/REC + all FBS receivers with a 23.5% big-time catch rate
98th percentile in-game athleticism score + 93rd percentile breakout-age
Ran just as fast (4.30) in… https://t.co/sGk1IxfiW5 pic.twitter.com/35kqWxToR2
— Smoov (@SmoovSofaShow) August 3, 2025
MASSIVE League-Winning Sleeper? 👀
D’onte Thornton Jr. joined Megatron and DK Metcalf as the only players taller than 6’4″ with a 4.35 or faster 40-yard dash 🔥
Routinely working with the starters 1️⃣
ADP is up to 188 from 227 in June 📈pic.twitter.com/jSV5bKPzL7
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) August 3, 2025
