The Las Vegas Raiders hope to have one of the most improved teams in the NFL this season.
Though things won’t be any easier in the AFC West, the Raiders do have some interesting pieces.
Notably, that includes rookie wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr.
The Raiders took him in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 108 overall pick.
Not many fourth-rounders make a big impact right out of the gate, but Thornton already has Maxx Crosby’s stamp of approval.
In the latest edition of his podcast, the superstar pass rusher compared Thornton to a former Raiders wideout.
“He reminds me of Martavis Bryant,” Crosby said. “He even looks like him. He’s tall, skinny, wears No. 10, he’s got the grills in, he’s got the dreds, the way he runs, the way he catches the ball, he reminds me of Martavis. It’s crazy because a kid like that, who had success in college, but hasn’t hit his full potential yet, seeing him on the field and realizing what he can be, from a player perspective, you’re like, ‘Holy s***, this dude could be something serious.’”
The Raiders’ passing game was nothing to brag about last season.
That’s why they didn’t hesitate to get quarterback Geno Smith reunited with new head coach Pete Carroll.
With his strong arm and willingness to sling the ball down the field, Smith should bring in some juice.
That bodes well for a big-play threat like Thornton.
On top of that, the Raiders should have an innovative and tricky offense now that Chip Kelly is back in the league as their coordinator.
It’s hard to put the Raiders in the same tier as the playoff-caliber teams in their division, the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.
But even if the Raiders are the fourth-best team in the AFC West, this strong offseason is a step in the right direction.
