Raiders fourth-round rookie highlighted as potential early starter

The Las Vegas Raiders are expecting their rookie class to step up right away as they hope to begin the push to contention.

Running back Ashton Jeanty and wide receiver Jack Bech are expected to start right away, as the Raiders selected both in the first two rounds. Other selections, such as third-round cornerback Darien Porter, have clear paths to a starting spot, while others will be more relied upon for depth at this point of their careers. So long as they provide positive contributions, however, the Raiders certainly will not mind.

In fact, one Day Three selection of the Raiders could be ready for starts sooner than anticipated.

Analysts are high on another Raiders receiver this season.

When discussing Day Three rookies who have the potential to start early, NFL’s Chad Reuter highlighted fourth-round Raiders receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr.

“If the Raiders give Thornton a chance on the outside, he very well could join second-round pick Jack Bech in the starting lineup after the first month of the season. He’ll need to show he can execute more than just a 9 route to be a starter, but the potential is there,” wrote Reuter.

When the Raiders drafted Thornton, they knew exactly what they were getting: a developmental project with loads of potential.

Thornton’s role at Tennessee was simple: stretch the field vertically, bully the opposing defensive back if you have to, and make the explosive play. While he was often successful in this endeavor, it did leave him with an underdeveloped route tree. If head coach Pete Carroll and wide receivers coach Chris Beatty can draw that out of him, however, Thornton can use his speed to become an even more dangerous player in space.

Expect Thornton to battle with third-year receiver Tre Tucker all preseason long but, regardless of who wins, the Raiders would be foolish not to use their new speed demon.