One Rookie to Watch in Raiders' First Preseason Game

It has already been apparent in training camp that the Raiders have found several contributors in their batch of rookies. Soon, the rest of the league will get to see what has become more and more obvious at Raiders training camp: Las Vegas may have found multiple foundational pieces.

Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus listed one rookie from each of the upcoming preseason games to watch this week. He named Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton as that player for the Raiders' preseason matchup against the Seattle Seahawks.

"Vegas needed more explosiveness at wide receiver after finishing 30th in PFF receiving grade (66.5) at the position last season, and they may have found it in Dont’e Thornton Jr. The fourth-round pick out of Tennessee boasts a size-speed profile that challenges defenses, and he’s already turning heads early in camp," Cameron said.

"At 6-foot-5 with 4.3 speed, Thornton projects as a serious downfield threat in this revamped Raiders offense. That should pair well with Geno Smith, who thrives on deep shots, as his 92.5 PFF passing grade on throws of 10-plus yards ranked top-five at the position last season."

Thornton Impresses in Camp

In camp, Thornton has regularly made difficult catches over the middle of the field, along the sidelines, and in the endzone. He has shown hands and speed that are rarely found in a player his size.

In combination with Jakobi Meyers, Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, and Ashton Jeanty, it will be hard for defenses to focus primarily on Thornton. This will allow him to make an impact. Smith and Chip Kelly will likely continue to find ways to get him the ball.

However, it is unclear how much that will happen in the first preseason game.

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