Raiders WR Predicted for Big Rookie Season in 2025

Many of the headlines surrounding the new faces of the Las Vegas Raiders entering the 2025 NFL season have been about their new head coach, new quarterback, or new dynamic rookie running back.

Yet, there is one more name Raiders fans need to know ahead of the NFL season who could have a big rookie year in 2025.

Raiders WR Dont’e Thornton Predicted to Have Big Rookie Season in 2025

Late Raiders owner Al Davis was well known for taking prospects with elite athletic traits and trusting the coaching staff to get the most out of them on the field. Well, he likely would’ve approved of the Raiders’ decision to draft Tennessee WR Dont’e Thornton, who is an absolute specimen at the wide receiver position.

Jacob Robinson of The Athletic wrote, “Another rookie to watch, this 6-foot-5 receiver has 4.3 speed, inevitably leading to comparisons with DK Metcalf. I ignored those comparisons until Thorton was praised by coaches, teammates and the media after minicamp. Already running with the first-team offense (ahead of the earlier drafted Jack Bech), Thorton looks like the Raiders’ starting X receiver as early as Week 1.”

Robinson wasn’t the only writer to take notice of Thornton’s impressive physical profile with ESPN beat writer Ryan McFadden suggesting the talented rookie could make an instant impact in 2025.

McFadden reporting was featured in an ESPN article that read, “The fourth-round pick made a strong case to be a Day 1 contributor for Las Vegas. Thornton received a good amount of reps with the first-team offense, as his combination of size (6-5, 205) and speed (4.3 40 at the combine) makes him a threat in the intermediate and deep passing game… The Raiders didn’t make major moves at wide receiver this offseason, meaning Thornton and second-round pick Jack Bech will be asked to step up in a big way in Year 1. Thornton showed he could be ready to answer the call.”

Thornton’s size and speed combination make him an intriguing vertical weapon for an offense that features more underneath threats like Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, and fellow rookie Jack Bech.

The biggest detractor from fully buying into a Thornton breakout in 2025 is his weak production profile in college, where failed to truly dominate college corners at Tennessee or Oregon. His best season was in 2024 with just 26 receptions for 661 yards and six scores with the Volunteers.

Can The Raiders Become a Top Passing Offense with Geno Smith Under Center?

The good news for Thornton is Raiders QB Geno Smith is one of the best deep ball throwers in the league, which could make him a favorite target of his new quarterback.

The arrival of Smith should give this Raiders passing game that struggled throughout last season with Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder under center a higher production floor in 2025.

Bowers and Meyers will still be the focal point of this passing attack, but the Raiders only stand a chance of this passing game becoming a top 10 unit in the league if Thornton or Bech emerge as immediate weekly producers in their rookie year.

Bech projects to be more of a possession receiver, which wouldn’t be surprising if he finishes the year with more receptions than Thornton.

Yet, Thornton’s vertical speed feels like the missing piece of the puzzle to unlocking the true potential of this passing offense.