Dont’e Thornton Jr. Drafted by Raiders in 4th Round, Becomes Third Vol Taken in 2025 NFL Draft
Tennessee wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. didn’t have to wait long on Day 3 of the NFL Draft to hear his name called. The Las Vegas Raiders selected the speedy wideout with the 108th overall pick, making him the third Volunteer off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Thornton, a former four-star recruit, spent two seasons at Tennessee after transferring from Oregon. Although his 2023 campaign was hampered by injuries, he delivered a strong finish that helped boost his draft stock. In his final season with the Vols, Thornton caught 26 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns — an eye-popping 25.4 yards per reception, which led the SEC.
At 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, paired with a blazing 4.3-second 40-yard dash, Thornton brings a rare blend of size and speed that fits the mold of a prototypical deep-threat receiver. It’s a profile that seems tailor-made for the Raiders, a franchise long known for valuing explosiveness on the outside. With a new regime in place — Pete Carroll now at the helm and veteran quarterback Geno Smith running the offense — Thornton could find early opportunities in a reshaped Raiders attack.
Las Vegas made waves on Thursday night when they selected Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in the first round, signaling a shift toward building a more dynamic and explosive offense. The addition of Thornton further emphasizes that vision. His ability to stretch the field vertically will be an asset for a team looking to revamp its passing game.
Thornton’s selection continues a strong draft showing for Tennessee. Star edge rusher James Pearce Jr. was selected in the first round by the Atlanta Falcons, while defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott went in the second round to the Kansas City Chiefs. Running back Dylan Sampson is expected to be the next Volunteer off the board, potentially giving Tennessee four draftees in the first four rounds.
For Thornton, the move to Las Vegas offers a fresh start and a promising opportunity to carve out a role in the NFL. With his rare physical tools and big-play ability, the Raiders are betting on his upside — and if his late-season surge is any indication, it’s a bet that could pay off in a big way.