Raiders 2022 7-round NFL Mock Draft after the Russell Wilson trade
Familiar face number two. Just like Kenyon Green, if you happened to glance at my last mock a few days back, you’ll see I had Thornton one overall pick earlier at 163.
The reason is simple – Thornton’s freak athletic abilities are too much for a team praying for a fraction of it to pass up on. Thornton ran an almost unfathomable 4.28 official at the combine and plays every bit as fast with the ball in his hands.
The Baylor receiver makes big plays happen, and as a result, he found himself crossing the plane 10 times. Three out of his four years at Baylor, Thornton averaged over 15 yards a catch; Two of those times he even surpassed 17.
As I explained in my initial description of the speedy receiver, the downfall is how raw his skillset is. The good news is, even though he’s a project as a complete receiver, he’ll make an immediate impact as far as splash plays go.
If a team was to pair Austin III with Thornton, good things will happen. Very good things.