Raiders Rookie WR Dont'e Thornton Listed Starter on Season 1 Depth Chart

Dont'e Thornton, a rookie wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders, has generated significant buzz due to his rare combination of size and speed, a profile only previously seen in NFL legends Calvin Johnson and Randy Moss. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Thornton impressed at the NFL Combine with a 4.30-second 40-yard dash and stands 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, making him a physical standout. Despite being a later pick than second-rounder Jack Bech, Thornton has earned first-team reps throughout offseason workouts and preseason games, including a touchdown catch from Geno Smith in the preseason finale. Raiders coaches and analysts note Thornton’s unique skill set and big-play ability, projecting him as a significant contributor and a sleeper fantasy football candidate as the 2025 season begins. The Raiders’ offense, under Chip Kelly and head coach Pete Carroll, is expected to be more stable, with Thornton joining established receivers like Jakobi Meyers and Amari Cooper, adding a distinct deep-threat dimension to the passing game. While there is some uncertainty about how playing time will be distributed, early indications are that Thornton will have a meaningful role and could emerge as a top rookie receiver this season.