Who Should I Start? Luther Burden III or Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Friday, August 15, 2:13 PM

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III was working with the second-team offense during 11-on-11 drills in Friday's training camp practice, according to Greg Braggs Jr. of CHGO Sports. Burden has flashed his potential this summer, but he also got off to a late start to camp with a nagging injury. The 21-year-old second-rounder caught two of his three targets for 29 yards in the team's preseason opener last week against the Miami Dolphins as he looks to earn a key role in Chicago's passing attack in his first year in the NFL. Burden is primarily competing with Olamide Zaccheaus for the WR3 job behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, but the problem is that Zaccheaus has reportedly had a very strong camp and appears to be holding off the rookie for now. There's plenty of playmaking ability here, but Burden is currently more attractive in dynasty/keeper leagues.

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.