Raiders rookie WR Dont'e Thornton knows he must improve as a route runner
Thornton is especially intriguing. The former Tennessee Volunteers standout is an athletic specimen who's still developing the technical aspects of playing the position. The 6-foot-5, 205 pound Thornton ran a blazing-fast 4.30 at the NFL combine. Despite having that size and athleticism, he only produced 661 receiving yards last season.
The biggest knock analysts had on Thornton throughout the pre-draft process was his raw route-running ability. He averaged an explosive, FBS-leading 25.4 yards per catch last campaign, but ran a limited route tree, lowering his ceiling. Thornton is aware he must improve as a route runner.
"The biggest knock on me was I wasn't a true route runner," Thornton said after a recent practice. "It's more motivation to get even better."
New Raiders starting quarterback Geno Smith is a gunslinger. Under Raiders head coach Pete Carroll in Seattle, he loved targeting big-bodied receivers like DK Metcalf down the field. Tucker, Meyers, or Bech can't provide that explosive ability in the way Thornton can if he reaches his performance ceiling.
Thornton is taking the correct approach at training camp to develop into a useful target for Smith this season.
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