Oakland Raiders: Which Receiver Steps Up Behind Amari Cooper?

Kenbrell Thompkins

Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (85) is defended by Buffalo Bills safety

(50) on a 50-yard reception at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Thompkins looked to be having a successful young career after he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New England Patriots. Signed out of Cincinnati, the Patriots took a chance on Thompkins, but he paid little return on investment as he started just eight games for the team. After playing 12 games for the Patriots in his rookie 2013 season, he only last two more before being cut in 2014.

The Raiders swooped in and picked him up off the free agent market, and he appeared in 12 games, starting six for the team. In his first year with the Raiders, Thompkins had 15 catches for 209 yards, but no touchdowns.

Those numbers don’t blow anyone out of the water, and they certainly don’t show the potential Thompkins showed his rookie year. To his defense, having to switch teams mid-year and learn an entire new scheme and playbook is extremely tough. Making that transition could’ve been tough for Thompkins.

Also working against Thompkins is the fact that he has struggled with drops throughout his career. To see the field you need to have your fundamentals down. If Thompkins doesn’t improve his ability to catch the ball, he will not see the field and therefore won’t perform.

More from Las Vegas Raiders News

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• Raiders: Bryan Edwards out, Henry Ruggs doubtful for Sunday
• Raiders: Damon Arnette re-injures thumb, could be headed to IR
• Raiders fall short in letdown Week 3 loss to the New England Patriots
• Raiders: Game breakdown and prediction for Week 3 at New England Patriots

It is feasible that Thompkins and Butler could have a camp battle for the fourth receiver spot. Just using the eye test, it is a neck and neck battle that Butler might win just because he was a Reggie McKenzie pick, and has a better understanding of the offense.

For Thompkins, he offers not  as much athleticism, standing 6’1″ with 4.54 40 yard wheels, but he has shown he can perform with rookie year totals of 32 catches for 466 yards and 4 TD’s.

Thompkins holds a lot of name value amongst NFL fans who remember his emergence onto the scene, but he needs to back it up with solid play. He is in the last year of his contract, so he needs to prove to the Raiders’ brass that he is worth a spot on the roster.

Next: Kris Durham