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Raiders Mailbag: Who's taken the team by storm in training camp?

Aug 13, 2025 at 03:40 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Josh Sanchez from Nevada asks:

"Who has been the biggest pleasant surprise this offseason?"

There's obviously been a few, but I'll go with one for offense and defense.

When Dont'e Thornton Jr. was drafted in the fourth round, there was clear potential for what he could emerge into. He could probably get by with his physical attributes and athleticism alone, being the tallest player at 6-foot-5 to run a 4.30 or faster 40-yard dash at the Combine since 2003.

However, Thornton has seemed to go the extra mile this offseason to position himself as a starting wideout for the Raiders. He's proven himself to be a more defined route runner than expected and his size and speed have made him compatible with Geno Smith.

"I got him right under my wing, man," Smith said of his relationship with Thornton. "He's one of those players who, he's only scratching the surface of who he's going to be. He's got all the physical talent in the world. He studies the game like he's a true professional. He loves football. That's something that I really like about him. And then he goes out there, he makes plays. I mean, not many guys are 6-foot-5, running a 4.3, got the hands and the catch radius that he has. He's got the ability to be really special, but we got to work. I'm just pushing him to make sure he's working on his craft, and he's been doing a great job."

On the defensive side of the ball, I'd have to go with Jamal Adams. It shouldn't be that big of a surprise considering he was one of the best players in the league a few years ago, but a lot has transpired since. He's missed the majority of the last four seasons with injuries that put his career in jeopardy. Additionally, he switched positions from safety to linebacker.

Nevertheless, he's made the transition look seamless and his athleticism throughout camp has mirrored a Jamal Adams of old. If he can remain healthy and keep building momentum, he has a real shot to write one hell of a comeback story.

Kim Kaye Harrison from Texas asks:

"How has the competition during training camp impacted their preparation and performance?"

Great question with a simple answer Kim: Competition has fueled everything.

Since the start of camp, it feels like there's only been a handful of players on the team whose roles are cemented heading into the season.

The Silver and Black have made several acquisitions over the last few weeks to bring in players that could compete for starting roles, including Adams in the linebacking corps, defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV and veteran safety Terrell Edmunds, who could fill the shoes of an injured Lonnie Johnson Jr.

"You're constantly trying to put your best stuff out there," Edmunds said after his first practice with the team. "And that competition factor is just – it's still a job, but you're having fun with it, too. So you can have fun with your guys, and everybody's competing, making each other better."

The interior offensive line has also been competitive with Jackson Powers-Johnson and Alex Cappa fighting for the starting right guard job. The battle was jumpstarted by the decision to move Jordan Meredith over from guard to center.

"I feel like, offensive line, it's not one guy that's doing the job, it's five," Meredith said. "So, it takes time to build, and the more time that we have going through training camp, feels like we're just gelling more and more."

The cornerback room is also up in the air. During any given practice, there has been a mixture of guys running with the first-team – Eric Stokes, rookie Darien Porter, Darnay Holmes, Decamerion Richardson and Kyu Blu Kelly .

But if you didn't know by now, this is all a part of Pete Carroll's master plan.

"I'm always looking for more competition, but it is apparent that in all different phases of our team, we have guys that are battling to push to get their spots," Carroll said. "We're trying to give them opportunities with the higher group to show that they can match up and all that. And it's exactly what this program is all about. So, the more competitive we can make it, the longer it can keep the competitiveness alive. We don't need to make any big decisions right away. We'll take our time at it and let it continue to factor in."

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Las Vegas Raiders tight end Justin Shorter (88) walks on to the field for practice at 2025 Training Camp at Intermountain Health Performance Center.