Unpacking Future Packers: No. 48, Tennessee WR Dont'e Thornton Jr
Unpacking Future Packers: No. 48, Tennessee WR Dont'e Thornton Jr
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers will be without the services of Christian Watson's dynamic playmaking ability for the majority of the 2025-2026 campaign after he suffered a torn ACL during the final game of the regular season.
As Watson rehabs from his knee injury, the Packers have to chart a path forward without him for the upcoming season and have to decide if they want to re-sign Watson as he enters the final year of his rookie contract.
A potential target in the 2025 NFL Draft that could help mitigate Watson's absence is Dont'e Thornton Jr. The Tennessee wide receiver checks in at No. 48 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A four-star recruit out of Maryland, Thornton started his collegiate career at Oregon. During his two seasons with the Ducks, Thornton caught three touchdowns.
During his first season at Tennessee, Thornton reeled in one touchdown. This past season, Thornton caught 26 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns. He led the nation with a 25.4 yards per reception average.
'Despite not starting for the majority of the year, Thornton was Tennessee's best receiver last season,' Ryan Schumpert, a reporter for Rocky Top Insider, said. 'Tennessee misused Thornton in 2023, playing him in the slot for the first bit of the year. They moved him back outside midseason and he was starting to turn the corner before suffering a season-ending injury at Missouri. In 2024, Thornton was Tennessee's one receiver who could truly strike fear in opposing defenses. Opponents sat on the deep curls and slants in Tennessee's offense, daring receivers to run past them. Thornton was the only one that could do it.'
A former track athlete, Thornton has easy vertical speed. That straight-line speed was on display at the NFL Scouting Combine when he clocked a 4.30 40-yard dash, the fastest among wide receivers. At 6-5, Thornton is a size-speed prospect who quickly chews up cushion with his long strides. He quickly accelerates off the line of scrimmage and has the speed to blow by cornerbacks.
'The best way to describe Thornton's vertical ability is to simply look at the stats,' Schumpert said. 'He averaged 25 yards per catch and had catches over 40 yards in seven games including at massive spots in the wins over Oklahoma, Alabama and Vanderbilt. While Thornton had a few big plays on go routes, he did most of his damage on skinny posts.'
Thornton has the breakaway speed to turn a short reception into a 75-yard touchdown. He destroys pursuit angles and quickly chews up grass with the ball in his hands. According to Pro Football Focus, Thornton racked up 278 yards after the catch (on 26 receptions).
'It goes hand-in-hand with his speed but it's Thornton's run after catch ability,' Schumpert said. 'Thornton isn't super shifty but his speed allows him to make things happen after the catch. After having a drop problem in 2023, Thornton had steady hands during the 2024 season."
Thornton needs to grow branches on his route tree. He was a one-trick pony at Tennessee, but that trick was difficult for teams to stop. He'll need to develop other parts of his game, but he could step in on day one and provide an immediate impact as a vertical threat.
Fit with the Packers
Since taking over as general manager in 2018, Gutekunst has drafted 10 wide receivers, with seven of them being Day 3 selections.
Thornton is built like some of those former Day 3 selections. J'Mon Moore (6-3, 207 pounds), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (6-4, 206 pounds) and Equanimeous St. Brown (6-5, 214 pounds).
The Tennessee wide receiver offers an MVS-like skill set. He's a size and speed prospect with dangerous vertical speed and a wide catch radius. He's got the ability to really stretch the field and keep defensive backs honest.
"Because Thornton can make a big play at any time he's on the field," Schumpert said. "He is still raw which would make it relatively easy for a general manager to talk themselves into Thornton."
The Packers will be without the services of Watson for the majority of next season and they need to replace his vertical presence. Thornton won't cost the Packers a premium pick and could be the next Day 3 wide receiver that Gutekunst selects. With his speed and big-play ability, he could prove to be a steal on Day 3 of the draft.
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