The Las Vegas Raiders have two promising receivers who could be vital pieces for the foreseeable future. Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. were drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft and are navigating the rollercoaster life as rookies.
Despite the Silver and Black losing 40-6 to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5, one of the bright spots on offense was Bech getting involved in the passing game. Bech recorded three receptions for 27 receiving yards. Now, these aren’t eye-popping numbers, but he did record a season high so far, five targets.
As a result, veteran quarterback Geno Smith is beginning to look for Bech more often than he did to start the 2025 NFL season. On October 8, Smith spoke with the media and shared words about his young receiver.
“I thought he made some plays,” Smith told reporters. “I thought he had some tough catches in there. I thought he did a good job competing. I thought he did a good job learning as the game went along. As he continues to play and grow, he’ll keep getting better. He’s a really good player — a talented young player — and he’s just growing into what he’s going to become.”
Raiders’ Dont’e Thornton Jr. Gets Praise
While Bech is starting to get more involved, Thornton Jr. has hit the ground running to begin his NFL career. However, in his last two games, the rookie wide receiver has yet to record a reception. Nonetheless, Smith praised the young wideout for the work that he’s putting in behind the scenes.
“Repetition is always going to be the father of learning. Continue to rep these things, talking in the meeting room and in the classroom. I call him late at night sometimes just to remind him that he’s the guy and we’re counting on him. Dont’e’s doing a great job.
“He’s learning, as we all are, and he’s getting better from week to week. That’s all you can ask from him. He’s taking the right approach, and it’s going to click soon. It’s going to click, and I really believe that.”
Can the Raiders Improve Their Passing Game?
While Las Vegas is betting that these young talents will figure out life in the NFL, the Raiders offense also needs to improve after a disastrous Week 5 where they could only record six points. Smith has recently stated what the group must do to get back on track against the Tennessee Titans and snap their four-game losing streak.
“Work harder, study harder, study longer, band together, become a tighter group,” Smith said after the loss to the Colts on October 5. “And I think we’re already a tight group, but we got to get tighter as a group. And guys got to lock in. I mean, it’s a tough game. It’s a one-play-at-a-time game.
“They’re going to face a tough team every week. Man, that’s the NFL. There’s not going to be any easy game. We got to get in our mind that we’re going to go out and win the game, and we’re going to get it done. Until we do that, we’ll have the same results.”
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