Las Vegas Raiders DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. flashed at the team's Thursday OTA practice, according to team reporter Levi Edwards. The fourth-round rookie out of Tennessee turned heads at the 2025 NFL Combine after posting a 4.30-second 40-yard dash time at nearly 6-feet-5 inches tall, which proved to increase his draft stock mightily. The speedster led the nation in yards per reception last season (25.4) and tallied 26 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns. Thornton might not have a significant or consistent impact right away behind Jakobi Meyers, Brock Bowers, Jack Bech, Tre Tucker, and potentially others in the target pecking order, but he has game-changing size-speed ability and could help the offense stretch the field in 2025. The 22-year-old is worth a late best ball dart throw and rookie draft flyer.

The Las Vegas Raiders and two-time All-Pro punter AJ Cole agreed to a four-year, $15.8 million contract extension on Monday that includes $11 million guaranteed, multiple sources tell ESPN's Ryan McFadden. The deal makes Cole the highest-paid punter in the NFL. The 29-year-old previously signed a four-year, $12 million deal in 2021. The three-time Pro Bowler has been one of the top players at the position and has finished in the top five in yards per punt for four straight seasons. Cole was first in that category back in 2021, when he averaged 50 yards per punt. He is the latest Raiders player to receive a contract extension this offseason, joining All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby and new quarterback Geno Smith. Last year, Cole averaged 50.8 yards per punt attempt, which ranked second in the NFL. He also had 27 punts inside the 20-yard line.

The Athletic's Tashan Reed reports that Las Vegas Raiders rookie sixth-rounder Tommy Mellott got significant action at slot receiver during an OTA practice this week. The quarterback-turned-receiver made cornerback Darnay Holmes fall on an in-and-out route on one rep before catching a pass from quarterback Geno Smith and turning upfield. Receiver Tre Tucker made the most impressive play of the day on a deep route where he got open over the top of the safety for a diving catch. Tucker started most of last year, but his role could be in jeopardy in 2025 after the Raiders drafted Dont'e Thornton and Jack Bech. Mellott is fast and athletic at 6-foot, 208 pounds but will most likely serve in a depth role at wideout in his first year in the NFL while also contributing as a return option on special teams.

Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty used a unique backfield stance in his final season at Boise State last year, standing straight up before a snap to give him a better view of the defensive alignment. However, in OTAs with the Raiders, Jeanty has used a more prototypical stance at the suggestion of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who thinks it gives the RB a stronger base to explode out of once the ball is snapped. The 21-year-old was the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft and will immediately come in and take over RB1 duties in Vegas, with veteran Raheem Mostert backing him up. Jeanty is physical, fast and hard to tackle and profiles as a workhorse back while excelling on the ground and through the air. Expect to pay a pretty penny on draft day for Jeanty in both redraft and dynasty drafts with expectations sky-high entering his rookie campaign.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (foot) is currently working his way back from a fractured foot he suffered last season. The injury limited Wilkins to five games, but Wilkins is hopeful to get in a full season in 2025. The organization is aware that this is a significant injury and they plan to continue being careful with Wilkins. The Raiders believe that Wilkins should be ready to resume practicing in August. Wilkins is in the second year of a four year deal that included over $80 million in guaranteed money. That being said, the Raiders have a lot invested in Wilkins and are hopeful he can be a difference maker on defense once he's back to full strength.