Thornton was one of the big winners from the 2025 NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.30 40 at 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, albeit with an average broad jump (126 inches) and poor vertical (33 inch). The Raiders took a shot early in the fourth round, with the 108th overall pick, undeterred by the poor vertical jump or Thornton's middling college production -- 65 catches for 1,426 yards and 10 TDs across four seasons for Oregon and Tennessee. He had personal bests of 661 yards and six TDs last year, making the most of his 26 receptions with an SEC-leading 25.4 yards per catch. Thornton's best chance to contribute this season would be in a similar role as a high-volume deep threat, running a lot of clear-out routes while occasionally getting shots downfield or in the end zone. He and third-year pro Tre Tucker may end up competing for a lot of the same snaps and routes.
