Who Should I Start? Kayshon Boutte or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Monday, August 4, 10:47 PM

New England Patriots third-year wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has continued to impress during training camp, according to Taylor Kyles of Patriots CLNS. Boutte has reportedly been "the most consistent player" in the receiver group this summer and has been dominant in 1-on-1s. The former LSU wideout led all New England receivers in routes run last season, but his situation will be different in 2025 with the team adding veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, along with drafting Kyle Williams in the third round. The 2023 sixth-round pick didn't take full advantage of his opportunity and had poor efficiency with a 1.3 yards per route run, but he is turning heads this summer and hopes to secure a role as an outside receiver in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system.

Wednesday, August 6, 12:06 PM

On the Las Vegas Raiders' first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, they've listed rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. as a starter opposite Jakobi Meyers. Thornton has impressed all season leading into his first year in the NFL and continues to get reps with the first-team offense during training camp. With the Raiders expected to play their starters in their preseason opener this Thursday against the Seattle Seahawks, we should see the 22-year-old get some run with quarterback Geno Smith for a series or two. So far, Thornton has been more impressive than Jack Bech, and he could operate as Smith's top deep threat down the field in 2025. Thornton averaged an impressive 25.4 yards per catch in his final season at Tennessee and could be worth a late-round flier in deep fantasy leagues. RotoBaller has him ranked as the WR78.