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Former Tennessee Vols standout named by PFF as one of the most interesting high upside players in the 2025 NFL Draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 5:37 PM ET

A former Tennessee Vols standout was named by Pro Football Focus this week as one of the most "interesting high-upside" players that could be selected on day three of the 2025 NFL Draft.

PFF thinks former Vols wide receiver Dont'e Thornton is a player that offers high upside as a likely day three selection.

From PFF: Wide receivers standing at 6-foot-5 who run 4.3-second 40-yard dashes don’t grow on trees. Those tools allowed Tennessee’s Dont'e Thornton Jr. to lead the FBS with an absurd 25.5 yards per reception this past season.

At worst, Thornton is a vertical home-run threat who could add an explosive element to any team’s receiver room. The lack of targets throughout his career — just 94 across four seasons — could make some teams wonder if there is more to unlock. He lacks nuance in his route running but wouldn’t need to improve his tools much. Thornton will be one of the more interesting high-upside receivers likely to be drafted on Day 3.

PFF ranks Thornton at No. 178 on their big board.

If you were one-play scouting Tennessee WR Dont’e Thornton, this would be the play.

6-foot-5
205 pounds
4.30 40

pic.twitter.com/LOLooolhrJ
— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) March 26, 2025

Thornton has the physical attributes (6-foot-5 and runs a 4.30 in the 40-yard dash) to be an elite player in the NFL. There are questions from NFL teams, though, about whether Thornton can be a complete wide receiver at the next level (specifically, there are questions about Thornton's route-running abilities).

Most mock drafts have Thornton being selected in the sixth or seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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