The Las Vegas Raiders’ preseason kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks had fans buzzing for a number of reasons, but let’s be honest — all eyes were locked in on rookie wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. And while the final scoreboard read 23-23, it was Thornton's flashes of brilliance that had the Raider Nation talking the most after the game.
👉 Here’s the quick scoop:
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Thornton finished with 1 catch for 17 yards
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He had a jaw-dropping third-down grab
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Missed out on a huge play due to a poor throw
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Also had a drop and a bobbled ball
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Overall? A debut filled with promise… and learning curves
🔥 Welcome to the NFL, Dont’e
Thornton might have only registered one catch in the stat book, but man, that one reception had some juice. Backed up on third-and-14 at their own 5-yard line, the Raiders needed someone to step up. And Thornton? He rose — literally — to the occasion. Leaping, diving, and stretching his arms out like a veteran receiver, the former Tennessee standout hauled in a clutch 17-yard sideline grab that moved the chains and showed the kind of athleticism that turns heads at this level.
That single moment felt like a microcosm of what Thornton brings to the table — big-time play potential, excellent body control, and an ability to create separation in high-pressure moments.
😬 A Game of Inches… and Mistakes
Now let’s talk about the other side of the coin. Football isn’t just about highlights; it’s also about the inches you don’t gain and the plays you just miss. Thornton had one of those moments too.
Early in the game, backup QB Aidan O'Connell saw Thornton beat his man cleanly. It looked like it was going to be a massive gain, possibly even a touchdown if the throw was right. But O’Connell underthrew the pass, and instead of a highlight reel bomb, it was Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe who made the play — snagging an interception that could’ve been a momentum-shifter the other way.
Tough break, especially for a rookie trying to make a strong first impression. That one play could’ve been the exclamation point on Thornton’s debut, but instead, it goes down as a missed opportunity.
🤷♂️ The One That Got Away
There was another hiccup in Thornton’s night. Early in the contest, starting quarterback Geno Smith — yes, Geno got a few snaps — targeted Thornton on a back-shoulder fade near the sideline. The ball was very catchable, but Thornton bobbled it and couldn’t complete the reception.
That drop ended up being costly, as it stalled the drive and forced the Raiders to punt. One could argue it wasn’t a perfectly placed ball, but in the NFL, you’ve gotta make the most of those kinds of chances — especially if you’re a Day 3 draft pick fighting for a spot in a loaded receiver room.
Still, it’s hard to overlook how Thornton’s body language and composure didn’t waver. For a guy just starting his NFL journey, that’s a good sign.
📍 Breaking Down Thornton’s Debut: The Good, the Bad & the Potential
✅ What Went Right:
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That third-down grab — elite-level execution
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Route running — looked crisp, created separation
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Body control — showed excellent sideline awareness
❌ What Needs Work:
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Hands — the bobbled pass and drop need attention
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Chemistry with QBs — timing with O’Connell wasn’t quite there
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Consistency — one good play doesn’t make a career
🔮 The Upside:
There’s no denying that Thornton has the tools. He’s tall, rangy, and has the kind of burst that gives DBs nightmares. If the Raiders’ coaching staff can refine his technique and build his confidence, this kid could turn into a serious weapon.
And let’s not forget — it’s the first preseason game. These early reps are all about learning, adjusting, and growing. What matters more than perfection is how you respond when things don’t go your way.
🏈 Why Thornton Matters in the Bigger Picture
Let’s zoom out for a second.
The Raiders’ wide receiver corps already features names like Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Hunter Renfrow, but behind them, it’s a battle for depth and roster spots. Thornton was drafted not just to fill a body slot — he was brought in because of his upside and potential to develop into something special.
With more reps in training camp and joint practices coming up, he’ll have plenty of chances to show that the 17-yard grab wasn’t a fluke. He’ll also need to prove he can shake off mistakes and make the routine plays consistently.
There’s also a bit of urgency here. The fourth-round pick isn’t guaranteed anything — and with veterans and undrafted guys nipping at his heels, every snap in practice matters.
📢 What the Coaches Are Watching
You can bet Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce and the offensive staff are dissecting every snap of Thornton’s performance.
They’re not just looking at the catches. They’re watching:
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Blocking assignments
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Route spacing
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Effort on decoy routes
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Body language after a bad play
Thornton showed flashes of being coachable and resilient — two traits that go a long way in the NFL.
✍️ Final Take: The Arrow Is Pointing Up
Dont’e Thornton Jr.'s debut wasn’t perfect — but that’s exactly what makes it promising.
He showed enough spark to get fans intrigued, and enough rawness to stay humble and hungry. That’s exactly where you want a rookie to be after Game 1. With more game reps and a little cleaner execution, he could absolutely become a rotational WR in this offense — and maybe, just maybe, a future starter.
So let’s keep the popcorn ready for preseason Week 2. If this kid keeps progressing, you’ll be hearing a lot more of “Thornton with the catch!” in Vegas this season.
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