Oakland Raiders: Which Receivers Will Step Up Next Season?
The Oakland Raiders have many reasons to expect disappointments and plenty of reasons to expect to be more than satisfied. One of the bigger reasons to be excited is the more mature receiving corps.
The question is: which receivers will step up the most in the next season?
The simple answer: David Ausberry, Jacoby Ford, Juron Criner, and Denarius Moore.
The complex answer: many Raiders receivers should have bigger, better, and more illustrious seasons than ever before. These receivers will be Juron Criner, Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore and David Ausberry. Criner and Ausberry will have some of the most productive seasons in the NFL because of their ability to gain yards after the catch.
Dec 6, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Juron Criner (84) misses a catch while defended by Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey (24) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 26-13. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Criner has the perfect mixture of stockiness and speed to be a great receiver in the big league. Ausberry has the do-it-all mindset and perfect build for the game of football. He is a get-it-done guy specifically with his great speed, proven with a 4.46 40-time.
He can be utilized to block for the run, spin off and catch the dump-off pass, or once in a while switch it up and go for the deep ball. If they use their wits and strength with a combination of hands and agility these to could be a deadly force together especially with great arm of Matt Flynn, Terrelle Pryor or Tyler Wilson throwing to them.
Ford is an amazing special-teamer, receiver and back all mashed up into one being. Where Jacoby can and will do the most damage is on receiver sweeps and catching the deep ball, not to mention his gaudy ability to return the ball off of kick returns. He will blow past anyone that challenges him to race on the football field.
The only people that can even stay close are on the other side of the practice field as in D.J. Hayden. Moore will be the deep ball threat that can outrun anyone, his incredible ability to break almost any tackle, and make all the moves and cuts necessary to get into open space where he can do the most damage to the weakening secondaries of the NFL.
If the defense is as good as it is expected to be Oakland will be in a pretty good position with the addition of Charles Woodson, D.J. Hayden and a brand new defensive line leaves the Raiders in great shape to make a run in the hyped AFC West division.