Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton is officially an NFL rookie after being picked by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL draft on April 26.
Thornton was selected No. 108 overall in the fourth round.
Thornton is the fourth UT receiver drafted in four years during Josh Heupel’s coaching tenure. Velus Jones Jr. went to the Chicago Bears in the 2022 draft. Jalin Hyatt and Cedric Tillman were picked by the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, respectively, in the 2023 draft.
Here’s what Thornton brings to the Raiders based on his career with the Tennessee Vols.
What Dont’e Thornton brings to Las Vegas Raiders in 2025 NFL Draft
Thornton is a long, receiver with elite straight-line speed. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he measured 6-foot-5, 205 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds.
NFL DRAFT HUB: Live NFL Draft news, live picks, grades, analysis and more.
That combo makes him dangerous on deep vertical routes and intermediate routes where he doesn’t have to break his stride. He led the SEC with a 25.4 yards-per-catch average in 2024.
But once Thornton stops, he lacks elusiveness after the catch. That’s why he had a very high yards-per-catch average at Oregon and Tennessee, but his production was inconsistent. He’s best as an outside receiver in a well-rounded receiving corps.
Dont’e Thornton highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Tennessee
When Thornton transferred to Tennessee from Oregon in 2023, he was put at an ill-fitting position in the offense and struggled with injuries. UT tried him in the slot, but he was uncomfortable there. A leg injury ended his 2023 season.
In 2024, Thornton was more comfortable at outside receiver, where he could run more vertical routes. He was UT’s most productive receiver. But he averaged only two catches per game, highlighting his all-or-nothing skillset as a big-play threat.
Dont’e Thornton stats with Tennessee
In 2023, Thornton had 13 receptions for 224 yards and one TD, averaging 17.2 yards per catch.
Thornton broke out in 2024. He had 26 receptions for 661 yards and six TDs. His 25.4 yards-per-catch average led the SEC.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email[email protected]. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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