Las Vegas Raiders Rookie Labeled 'The Al Davis Pick Of This Draft'

The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the most interesting teams in the NFL for 2025. They overhauled their offense, trading for quarterback Geno Smith and drafting running back Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State running back isn’t the only exciting rookie on the roster. With the 108th pick, the team drafted Oregon Ducks wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. to help give Smith some weapons. GM John Spytek talked about Thornton Jr. in a recent interview and called the young wide receiver “the Al Davis pick of the draft.”

Las Vegas Raiders WR Dont’e Thornton Jr.

Former Las Vegas Raiders owner Al Davis was known for drafting based on one trait: speed. Dont’e Thornton Jr. ran a 4.30-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 Combine. Despite a large 6-foot-5 frame, he is able to create separation with ease. Spytek raved about the rookie in a recent interview.

“Mark [Davis] joked that was the Al Davis pick of this draft. The height, weight, speed, raw traits, athleticism, speed, and I think it’s just focusing on what he can do and what he can be. … You watch his target tape, I think it’s pretty impressive. And we think he hasn’t hit his ceiling yet.”

This is some high praise for the young wide receiver. The Las Vegas Raiders need some help at the wide receiver position after trading away Davante Adams last season. They have high expectations for this pick, but the Davis praise is a little interesting.

Al Davis Draft History

Al Davis doesn’t necessarily have the best track record in drafting. He famously picked draft bust JaMarcus Russell, along with many others who didn’t pan out. It does seem like a player Davis would pick, but Spytek hopes the coaching from Pete Carroll can help make him an NFL star. Spytek could be trying to impress his new bosses. Davis is a beloved owner of this franchise, and he could be trying to curry some goodwill with his bosses.

Final Thoughts

The Las Vegas Raiders should be fun to watch this year. While they aren’t projected to make the playoffs, they shouldn’t be the dumpster fire they were last season.