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Former Tennessee Vols WR Dont'e Thornton named as perfect fit for AFC franchise on day three of the 2025 NFL Draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Apr 10, 2025 12:49 PM ET

Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Dont'e Thornton was named by Pro Football Focus this week as a great fit for the Los Angeles Chargers on day three of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Thornton, who started his college career at Oregon before transferring to Tennessee, is expected to be selected in this year's draft thanks to his elite size (6-foot-5/215 lbs) and speed (4.30 in the 40-yard dash).

From PFF : The Chargers retained Jalen Reagor hoping he would be the answer to take the top off defenses, but his ineffective career play should lead the front office to look elsewhere. Thornton is a blazer (4.3-second 40-yard dash time) and deep-ball technician, highlighted by his 93rd-percentile mark in average target depth and 97th-percentile mark in yards per route run last season.

Dont’e Thornton has otherworldly long speed and acceleration for a 6’5” WR.

He just straight up runs away from guys… the 4.30 40 isn’t surprising if you watched him this year. pic.twitter.com/UHZ1M53x5n
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) March 1, 2025

You might be wondering why Thornton is being projected as a day three selection despite his elite size and speed.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler pointed out this week that there are concerns about Thornton's route-running ability. Essentially, some teams think he might be a "one-trick pony" who can only win vertically.

Thornton addressed those concerns at Tennessee's pro day last month.

"Just showing all the teams that I'm able to run pro style routes," said Thornton when asked what he wanted to accomplish at Tennessee's Pro Day.

"That was mostly every team's main talking point was asking with the offense that we run here at Tennessee if I'm able to run those pro style routes," added Thornton when asked about feedback from NFL teams about his ability to run pro style routes.

"I had to be very intentional, playing two seasons here at Tennessee, we don't have the same wide route tree that most pro style offenses have," continued Thornton.

Thornton finished his college career with 65 receptions for 1,426 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 21.9 yards per reception during his time at Oregon and Tennessee.

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

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