https://www.nfl.com/prospects/dont-e-thornton-jr/32005448-4f80-1699-da64-33f3c8b0bd34
Overview
Long, linear target whose primary function is to take the top off of defenses. Thornton can play through early contact and works past tight man coverage. He’s talented at stacking cornerbacks and tracking the ball when he finds top positioning. He can strike over the top or with routes allowing him to catch on the move. His route tree is limited, so two-high safety looks could park him in the garage. He’s average after the catch on short throws but plays as big as he measures, winning contested catches on all three levels. Thornton is a low-volume target with erratic production, but teams looking for vertical juice should have him on their boards.
Strengths
Explosive vertically, with a career average of 21.9 yards per catch.
Play strength and hand-fighting pull him past physical corners.
Able to sink hips and gather quickly for comebacks.
Talent to track, adjust and win contested deep throws.
True speed to make house calls when catching on the move.
Works away from coverage and toward the throw for quarterbacks.
Weaknesses
Runs a three-route tree with slight variations.
Value can be snuffed out by deep safety looks.
Long strides are gradual and rounded on in-breaking routes.
Separation burst from route breaks is average.
Lacks decisiveness and wiggle after the catch.
