WATCH: Raiders WR Dont'e Thornton Speaks Before First NFL Start

LAS VEGAS, Nev.-- The Las Vegas Raiders drafted wide receiver Dont'e Thornton to help expand their offense this season. After having a lack of talent at skill positions over the past few seasons, the Raiders enter this season hoping Thornton can spark their offense.

Thornton spoke following practice this week.

You can watch the entire interview below:

Following practice this week, Pete Carroll spoke to the media. We have a partial transcript below.

Q: You guys placed a big emphasis on Geno Smith and Dont'e Thornton Jr. working on the deep ball and the connection in general towards the tail end of camp. What have you seen the last week and a half or so between the two of them?

Coach Carroll: "It's just been ongoing. It's just been growing together, and he's worked hard enough from the very start that he's taking advantage of the opportunities that we've given him. He seems to be more comfortable than ever, and we're just getting started. We're a long ways away from what the finished product will be, but we certainly can see his play making ability. We see his speed, his ability to get off the ground, to catch the football. All of that is there. So we're just trying to get him started well, and just do what he's been doing in practice, and we'll take it from there."

Q: Special teams is always so important. The 35-yard touchback now, how much discussion and strategy has gone into that?

Coach Carroll: "We saw one game in the first half of that game last night, it seemed like you couldn't slow the offenses down. They had such great starting position. I don't know that it was always the case. I didn't pay that much attention to the game. But I'm not going to be surprised if it is a big factor. It just feels different. It feels different when you start at the 35 every time and you look at where the scoring zone begins, it's not very far away. A couple first downs and you’re there. So, I'm anxious to see what it factors in, but it's equal for everybody, and we'll just try to take full advantage of it, but we'll see what happens."

Q: You guys signed Justin Shorter from the practice squad. What exactly does he bring to table? And the Amari Cooper retirement, how surprised were you?

Coach Carroll: "First on Justin [Shorter]. Justin has been working his butt off the whole time. He's been part of our team throughout and it's because of the terrific work that he does on special teams, it makes him stand out above other receivers, and he stands out above a lot of receivers, most guys. He's physical, he's tough, he loves it, a great attitude, and he adds to everybody else's effort as well. As far as Coop [Amari Cooper], it's just the timing wasn't right for him. He didn't feel like he was ready to do it. He gave it a shot, and we gave him a shot. And I have much respect for him making that decision. And so, I wish him the best."

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