Who Should I Start? Christian Watson or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Tuesday, May 6, 3:32 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) told FOX reporter Ellie French that he is in a "really good spot" in his rehab following a torn ACL last January. The speedster finally stayed healthy for most of the 2024 campaign after lingering hamstring issues in 2023, but the significant knee injury cost him the NFC Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and puts his future in question. After Green Bay selected Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Watson's days in Green Bay could be numbered. The North Dakota State product has flashed upside and speed in short spurts, but his injury misfortune has limited his ability to be a consistent contributor. Through his first 38 regular-season games, Watson has collected 98 receptions for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Thursday, May 29, 3:43 PM

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.