Raiders 2022 Draft: 5 late-round prospects that can elevate the Raiders

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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 07: Tyquan Thornton #81 of the Baylor Bears celebrates a touchdown catch against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019, in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Raiders 2022 Draft: 5 late-round prospects that can elevate the Raiders

Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor

The Raiders dropped a bomb on the NFL when it was announced they traded for the back-to-back All-Pro Davante Adams. The former Packer is capable of doing mostly anything on the field, this much is true, but a speedy vertical threat makes everyone’s life easier.

Last year, every aspect of the Raiders’ passing game simply worked better when Henry Ruggs was on the team. That is no coincidence; A deep-threat who can take the top off a defense makes things open up everywhere else.

On the other end of that, the reverse rings true as well. When you have a player like Davante Adams, it makes things easier for the vertical threat heading down the field. To find proof of that, look no further than Davante Adams’ former teammate, Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Scantling lead the league in yards per catch in 2020, as Adams forced defenses to focus on him.

Thornton had a near-historic day at the NFL combine, clocking an official 4.28 40-yard dash. The Baylor road-runner will likely be available when it’s time to put in the 163rd and 164th overall picks, due to being so unpolished. Although his skill set is extremely unrefined, his speed and ability to haul in a wide variety of passes stand out.

If you’re looking for Thornton to step in and take over by himself, you’re going to be disappointed. However, if you have Adams, Waller, and Renfrow as your first, second, and third options, expect him to shine as bright as anyone. Thornton and the current Raider roster is a match made in heaven.

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