Raiders stick with defense for third draft pick
By Steve Corkran
Saturday, April 28th, 2012 at 12:04 pm in Oakland Raiders.
The Raiders selected Penn State defensive end Jack Crawford with the 158th pick of the NFL draft, a pick they acquired from the Detroit Lions in a trade earlier today.
Crawford, 6-feet-5 and 274 pounds, is viewed by several so-called experts as a long-term project. They say he needs a ton of coaching and work on his technique.
Just the same, Crawford recorded 6 1/2 sacks last season in 13 games. He figures to compete for a roster spot as a backup and special teams player.
Crawford hails from London, England, and has limited football experience.
[You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.]
April 28th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
RAIDER
April 28th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Sonds like the kid needs work. I believe Massaquoi is better.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Next… Sammy Brown?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:05 pm
I think we can get Fangupo or NJB at #189
I like Sammy Brown, Cam Johnson or Massaquoi with pick #168!!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Crawford is similar to Shauaghnessy. Stout vs the run can rush the passer but will hold the edge.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Brown, Manning, Iloka, M. Jones…
April 28th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
crawford is unimpressive.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
He looks like Charlie Villanueva, I think he has that same condition to where he has no eyebrows.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
I think McK should have went with Mossaquio ahead of Crawford if he wanted a developmental guy. I think Wynn would have been a better pick, then go with Crawford or Mossaqui at #168
April 28th, 2012 at 12:07 pm
Anybody else think the coaches point him in Seymour’s direction and say “Do everything #92 does”?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Shaun Prater, and LB Josh Kaddu off the board
Hebron Fangupo NT/DT BYU
Miles Burris, LB, S.D. St. GOT HIM ALREADY!
Terrell Manning, LB, North Carolina St.
Johnathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy St.
Sonds like the kid needs work. I believe Massaquoi is better.
*****
Massaquoi allegedly got fat last year and weak vs. run
April 28th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Or he could have went with Cam Johnson.
Guess for some reason, he liked a guy with bigger upside I guess according to him and the scouts
April 28th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Only problem with Massaquoi is there’s a question of scheme fit. Word is teams don’t see him as a full-time DE, but also don’t think he has the agility to play OLB.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
6 picks till we’re up again
go defense, Reggie!!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
alphonzo dennard!!!! c’mon reggie!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Reggie knows the odds of hittin starters round after round is unlikely at this stage. BPA Baby!! Next pick up soon, what D position is next?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
We need all the D in the world. Keep it coming Mr. Reggie. Thanks for all thee updates Mr. Cork. and Mr. Jer.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
I want to see a young DT for depth DaJohn Harris or someone similar.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI1P8Fm2gmM
tape on crawford vs Ohio’s Adams. Unimpressive.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
Alphonzo Dennard would be a great Pick up
April 28th, 2012 at 12:11 pm
Well we have the first boom/bust player of the RM era.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Crawford 14 reps of 225…..Not to Impressive for that big of a guy…My Granny can do 16 reps but she squats a mean 525
April 28th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Purple Drank
Dennard was projected a high 2nd rounder. he’s short but his numbers speak for themselves. I think it’s a no brainer. watch some vids he’s a beast of a CB
April 28th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Crawford sounds like Practice Squad material. I wonder if we could have waited for him or would the Giants have taken him soon?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:12 pm
Limey?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Dennard punched a cop, right?
doesn’t that mean he’s got a court date soon and will be suspended for the first 4-8 weeks??
April 28th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
19.aig-raiders Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI1P8Fm2gmM
tape on crawford vs Ohio’s Adams. Unimpressive.
—
Agree… I think RM wasted a pick here…
April 28th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Is Winn or Johnson still on the board?
Mossaquio would be a good pick this late. Just have the kid stand up and rush the passer from the outide or inside…teach him how to cover later.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
tj you need to stop
Priesttj Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
I want to see a young DT for depth DaJohn Harris or someone similar.
_____
MistaBrown Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 11:59 am
DaJohn Harris, turn your celly on.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Crawford is raw with tremendous upside. Al Davis kind of pick.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Kellen Moore Lol with the next pick
April 28th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Crawford is this years Bruce Campbell in my opinion. (sorry for the cliche) lot’s of upside
April 28th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
another NT/DT still on board besides Fangupo and Jean-Baptiste is De’Angelo Tyson from Georgia. But I think we should pick the best available guy.
Another interesting guy still on board is Michigan St. RB Edwin Baker. The guy in highlight films has run skills like Doug Martin of Boise St., but he lost playing time to a guy who can catch passes (so apparently Baker can’t catch) and his production nosedived last year, allegedly dinged. Supposedly good blocker. Another RB is Chris Polk from Washington, was overrated by many draft geeks –runs high, overused in college bad shoulders bad block, but on round 6 he’d make sense certainly.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
I’d love for us to take Greg child’s from arkansas next round! He’s the big time sleeper this year that teams are going to be upset about! He’ll be handing out a couple pink slips to a couple NFL scouting departments next year just watch….
April 28th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Happy with draft so far it’s not like raiders had all these options. Mckenzie worked with what he had and did a decent job. Was a good year to not have great draft picks not a lot of talent this year in the draft. Worked out good for Oakland.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Green bay traded ahead of us, I bet someone from there new what Reggie was thinkin’.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Crawford will be a project for the new coaching staff. Will be interesting to see if he progresses. If nothing else, could be adequate depth.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
GB got terrel manning
April 28th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Could’ve got Crawford with the 7th they picked up in the trade. Don’t like that pick there.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Packers got Manning. Interesting pick. Scheme fit? Hmm.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
I will be ill if SF takes Massaquoi or Winn.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:16 pm
I think Al Davis sent in the Crawford pick in from heaven..lol.. he looks like a stinker..
April 28th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Terrell Manning, LB off board
Hebron Fangupo NT/DT BYU
Miles Burris, LB, S.D. St. GOT HIM ALREADY!
Johnathan Massaquioi, DE, Troy St.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
You guys don’t know anything about this, he’s coming from Penn State, he will be great
April 28th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spocXOJFmxk
tape on Massaquoi here and he is not impressive at all.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Nwr8r Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:15 pm
Could’ve got Crawford with the 7th they picked up in the trade. Don’t like that pick there.
========================================
Again, they’re just going down the board. Obviously, Crawford’s potential made him top man at #158.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Raiders draft grade went from B+ to C- with Crawford pick.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
LB Audie Cole still on board
C David Molk still on board
and of course Winn from Boise
April 28th, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Sammy Brown where you at??
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
I really liked the first two picks and the trade but I do not understand this pick. You could make a case that Crawford would have been undrafted and you could have used the 7th round pick on him if you liked his potential. Hard to find starters this deep but I think Reggie found one in the third and a strong possibility in the 4th. Maybe we can trade him for a RB in a few years.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Crawford hails from London, England, and has limited football experience.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
He just got here in 2005 but he learns fast and has potential.
I think Priest might be right about a resemblance to Shaugnessy but the guy’s a project.
For a 5th round pick, not bad
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Would LOVE Sammy Brown to be the pick here. Really like him.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Massa-what’s-his-face is gone.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
OK thank god Jonathan is gone i hope u people will shutup about him already now lol
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Someone follow Massaquoi. I wonder how well he will do with the Falcons.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Molk still there was he not projected to go in 4th?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Fangupo looks pretty good on tape. Hope we get him.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
YoungAmerican Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Would LOVE Sammy Brown to be the pick here. Really like him.
========================================
I’d rather get Fangupo here. Brown should be there in Round 6, and maybe even Round 7 as well.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Mossaquio is gone.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
#54 lol
April 28th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
I think it’s safe to say that Reggie would never have taken Phillip Buchanon in the first round.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Burfict!
I know it’s not happening, but come on. At this point, worth a roll of the dice.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
I seem to remmeber the same sentiments regarding Matt S when we drafted him that I’m reading about Crawford. Most of you have never seen the kid play yet you comment…………SOS same ol’ smoke!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Crawford hails from London, England, and has limited football experience.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
He just got here in 2005 but he learns fast and has potential.
I think Priest might be right about a resemblance to Shaugnessy but the guy’s a project.
For a 5th round pick, not bad
****************
I hope your right but I think you are saying this because he is from GB. LOL
April 28th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
I recall reading these posts last year and some of the same people were wondering why in the world we picked D.Moore in the 5th round.
“Another receiver?!” they whined.
Get a fuk’n grip, it’s not a 1st round pick.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Chris in NY Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Burfict!
I know it’s not happening, but come on. At this point, worth a roll of the dice.
—
we’ll take him in the 7th
April 28th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Matt S had injuries in college so he didnt get to show a whole lot. Crawford is UNIMPRESSIVE.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Post 67 ……Very Very True…Not a big fan of this pick
April 28th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
RaiderDuck Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:19 pm
YoungAmerican Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Would LOVE Sammy Brown to be the pick here. Really like him.
========================================
I’d rather get Fangupo here. Brown should be there in Round 6, and maybe even Round 7 as well.
=================
I would reach for Brown. I think he’s going to be a very, very good player in this league. Just my opinion, though.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
from nfl.com
Overview
Crawford started for three years at Penn State and has just five years of experience at his position. He was a late bloomer who moved to the United States from England to play basketball in high school before picking up football and, eventually, a scholarship from Penn State. He is a developmental prospect who can still fill out his incredible frame. He is a late-round prospect who could be taken earlier if a team can live with developing him. He is an inconsistent player at this point in his career. He barely showed up against Houston in the Ticket City Bowl and logged only one pass defensed — a microcosm of his career at Penn State, where he generally just stood up and hoped to knock down balls with his frame
April 28th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Reggie got no. 230 for Burfict
April 28th, 2012 at 12:22 pm
I want us to draft Burfict and Brewster is still on the board. Zone blocking specialist Center.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Crawford has only played DE for five years. Grew up overseas. Still raw. Project for the coaching staff.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
We will see what we got when the season starts too soon to be predicting their success or failures
April 28th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Burfict!
+++++++
he goes un drafted
April 28th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
If Crawford looks like Shaughnessey, that’s fine with me. We need depth on the d line, so I hope Reggie picked the right guy.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Navaro bowman was a bad mofo out of Penn state and wiz2 Aint no slouch so crawford might be a diomand in the rough, I just can’t stand his accent already.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
1960AutumnWind Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
ENGLANDRAIDER Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:18 pm
Crawford hails from London, England, and has limited football experience.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
He just got here in 2005 but he learns fast and has potential.
I think Priest might be right about a resemblance to Shaugnessy but the guy’s a project.
For a 5th round pick, not bad
****************
I hope your right but I think you are saying this because he is from GB. LOL
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Not so Autumn.
I could care less where he’s from, what color he is, or what religion he adheres to,
I just want guys that can play football.
Like everyone else, I know not much about this guy except what we’ve seen at Penn State.
On the other hand, if he played Rugby in England he might just be a hard man.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
A backup Center/Guard would be good about now – Go for Molk.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Maybe RM or the scouts have some inside knowledge on Crawford, but watching his tape, he looks like a regular D linemen, even lost on some plays…
The only positive I see is that hes a Penn State guy.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Crawford will start opposite Matt S .. WHats his name the DE from Texas will move inside…
April 28th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Sorry guys but Burfict is not a good player at all. He’s not even expected to go until the 6th or 7th round. Go watch his lilites and you hardly ever see him run full speed when he meets the ball carrier. Burris/Hightower/Irvin all do that. Romac/Burfict almost had the same tape. We all know how well Romac is playing for us.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Burfict is really terrible. Undrafted.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
bengals just gotta a good Wr in jones…good value in this rd
April 28th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Bengals got Marvin Jones. Absurd value there. They’re having a very impressive draft.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
#78 England
Lighten up – that was a joke. You are not KK. Like I said he is a boom bust player. Reggie must of felt that our chances for starters is gone so now it is time to role the dice a little.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
DAMN how many picks does Cincinnati have?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Fangupo Reggie. Do it.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Great! The Bengals get another one (Marvin Jones, wr from Cal) of my favs, regardless if the Raiders woulda gone for him. . .
April 28th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Trade Pryor for pix!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
Crawford has a natural running motion. Good athlete. A raw DE isnt the wost thing.
I’d love to know Reggies thinking behind the pick.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
dennard!!! please!!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
AND Iloka. Damn, Cinci…
April 28th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Hebron Fangupo NT/DT BYU
Miles Burris, LB, S.D. St. GOT HIM ALREADY!
Darrius Fleming, OLB/DE Notre Dame
Billy Winn, DE, Boise St.
Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska charged with hitting cop recently, best in zone
Adrien Cole MLB La. Tech
Audie Cole, LB,
Edwin “Rock” Baker, RB
David Molk, C
Leonard Johnson, CB Iowa St
Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly
Chris Polk, RB
Vick Ballard, RB
April 28th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
YoungAmerican Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Bengals got Marvin Jones. Absurd value there. They’re having a very impressive draft.
–
Yeah i think they win AFC North this year
April 28th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Burfict? Why would we want a slow, drug addict lb who cant play on the field, and is trouble off the field?
We got most of that with Slowlando.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
We are on clock
April 28th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
1960AutumnWind Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
A backup Center/Guard would be good about now – Go for Molk
###############
I agree, I don’t want #68 as backup C.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Bengals get back to back triples..
April 28th, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Some of think these kids are being drafted to start based on comments. This entire draft is just depth IMO which we desparately need. Crawford is the kind of raw material we need to get on this team and develope. He’s a rotation prospect similar to what Des Bryant gave us and we’re looking for more players like him.
If you think depth you’ll understand the picks in this draft. Stop your whinning!!!!!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
wide receiver?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Billy Winn/Chris Polk
April 28th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
I think we can get Fangupo or NJB at #189
I like Sammy Brown, Cam Johnson with pick #168!!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Anyone who says I care what color a player is, is a liar.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
You are right, Priest. These are not 1st rounders.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Winn, Johnson, T Lewis, Cole, or Cal DE/DT T Guyton?
Jones off the board!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Like the receiver
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
WR Juron Criner. VERY interesting.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Who is Juron Criner?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Juron Criner
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
I had a feeling it was WR time! Who is this kid?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
a big WR!!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Johnson, Polk, Cole, Guyton or Winn with this pick!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
OK Juron Criner WR DEPTH NOT BAD
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
What color was Joe Rudi?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Juron Criner not a bad pick up but very very intersting
April 28th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Criener = big time steal…
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Juron Criner, red zone/possession WR like 32 TD catches in college
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
WR Dwight Jones?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Also, I guess the lack of a NT means we really AREN’T going 3-4 this year.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Crawford, contrary what many believe here, was a good pick. Just read what he did at Penn State in 2010 and 11 seasons. He shined brightly. Maybe he is not a first rounder, but after the McClain pick/debacle who cares from what round he comes?
I hope Crawford and Burris make a great tandem by the end of this season so we can send Slowlando packing.
And if Crawford is a bust, what have we lost, rookie minimum salary for a year.
If anyone thinks Crawfords a slouch read his stats with a focus to the game changing plays he made.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
1960AutumnWind Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:26 pm
#78 England
Lighten up – that was a joke. You are not KK. Like I said he is a boom bust player. Reggie must of felt that our chances for starters is gone so now it is time to role the dice a little.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
???
Yeah, I know that man.
I wasn’t going after you.
Just stating my opinion.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Criner had a much higher grade than the 5th/6th round going into this draft. Not sure what caused his fall.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Criner huh?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
I like Criner but I would’ve taken Gerrell Robinson from Ariz St. But he is a possession guy who brings us quality depth……….period
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Wr
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
I watched Juron Criner torch my UCLA Bruins for years. Kid can play.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
way to stir things up Kell. thanks lol
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
6′3 224lbs
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
And another consolation prize; Criner from Arizona.
Much preferred Jones. I’m done. Don’t see anything the Raiders will be able to use any time soon from this draft. Seems they are a day late & a dollar short all the way around. . .time to go outside & play!
Any words of reassurence from y’all?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
66.DKnight007 Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 11:52 am
xraided Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 11:51 am
yo Knight, you see my comment from the last article? i go to Buffalo Wild Wings like everyday for happy hour! i know all the guys very well, and one of the waitresses\
^^^^^^^^
Nice….I try and be there on Thursdays for Happy Hour for at night.
____________
yea man i’ll be there. i’ll wear my #3 Palmer jersey.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Is devon still DT from penn state still on the board? If so Reggie get him
April 28th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Once again, when Raiders pick….COMMERCIAL or time for an interview!
NFLN and BSPN never cease to amaze me.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Y/A his slow 40 made him fall but he is a big big kid
April 28th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Juron Criner = already more productive than Chaz.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Sigmund Bloom @SigmundBloom
Juron Criner the anti-Al Davis WR. Great talent to mix with speed of Ford/DHB and highwire act of Moore
April 28th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
In all the years I’ve followed the Raiders, I don’t think I’ve ever seen TV shots of the Raiders War Room.
This is so refreshing, to actually let the fans inside.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Weird draft. The last pick was a total Al Davis reach and Reggie follows that up with a wideout with 4.6 speed.
huh?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Bad pick Reggie if going for a WR. He took WR Juron Criner when Tommy Streeter is available. Dumb
April 28th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Id rather have j.beck than lienheart
April 28th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Hey Louis Murphy hope u are stepping your game up and hitting um cause we just drafted. Wr..stop taking that viagra with them erections that last more.than 4 hrs
April 28th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
from nfl.com
Overview
Criner is a raw talent who was inconsistent throughout his career at Arizona. He was dominant in the Pac-12 at times and used his athleticism and leaping ability to simply make more plays than the man across from him. Criner effectively uses his great size when going for jump balls or when “boxing out” to catch balls in the short game. He shows his athleticism after the catch, displaying an ability to make things happen early in the play, and has the burst to finish them. He needs to learn how to show up every Sunday, but his talent alone legitimizes him as a prospect. He should be one of the first five receivers taken off the board.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Russell Lande @RUSSLANDE
#RAIDERS get perhaps the best value on the 3rd day with WR J. Criner. On film he plays like a 2nd rounder, but his poor 40 time doomed him.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Thec Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 11:45 am
I would not take a WR however. Criner and streeter are interesting
April 28th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
04/04/2012 – I really enjoy asking some retired football people to grade some players for me this time of year. They aren’t tainted by the media reputations formulated about players, They simply watch a lot of game tape without former knowledge and then we discuss what they watched. This week I had an old secondary player/coach watch many of the wide receivers in the 2012 draft class. I knew he would like Oklahoma State’s Justin Blackmon and Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd, but who else would jump out at the old pro? As my old boss, the late Dick Steinberg would say “pay attention to the scout that has a different opinion than all the rest
of the evaluators. Maybe we should restudy the guy and try and see what he sees.” What if I told you there is a wide receiver that at 6′3″, 225 lbs. and could jump 39 inches vertically, which in basketball terms means his elbows are above the rim. He has bigger hands than Justin Blackmon, and even though he has 209 receptions and 32 touchdowns in his career, he is thought of as a fourth- or fifth-round pick because of a 40 time. The former scout/coach came to me for discussion with the following report: The wide receiver has good hands, good open field skills, quick feet, plays hard, gets open, competes for the ball and is more than a willing blocker. He is a good fit as a ‘Z’ in a west coast system. I had my old scout also evaluate Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd during the same session and he was still high on the mystery man. The receiver’s name is Juron Criner from Arizona, and his draft status ranges from the 10th-best receiver to not even in the top 20 according to some draft analysts. Some describe him as a guy with subpar straight line speed, relies too heavily on his size down field and inconsistent hands. Go back and look at the report on Marques Colston of the Saints from 2006 and it’s similar. That report was wrong and damaged Colston enough. – Pat Kirwan, CBS Sports
April 28th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
130. man.. you can tell this already just because no one jumps out at you? They gave the Raiders draft last yaer a C to a C- … and look who’s starting? Wiz and Moore both bump it up to a solid B .. you just don’t know. if we have a new RT that can keep Palmer’s shirt clean and remains the “good puller” everyone says he is in our ZBS, he could instantly start over KaWhiff or Barksdale.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
KoolKell Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Anyone who says I care what color a player is, is a liar.
*********************
Unless you have changed KK then I guess I am a liar. Because of your posts in the past about JR and others.
But seriously England Raider I meant that as a joke. I even put LOL after it. I did not seriously think you gave him any regard to Nationality. Maybe to the fact he played some Rugby but after watching some of that I think that is justified.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
DKnight007 Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Once again, when Raiders pick….COMMERCIAL or time for an interview!
NFLN and BSPN never cease to amaze me.
++++++++
f them…
April 28th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
I THINK GOOD PICKUP .. We’re not set on Wide REceivers and most of them were getting injured left n right .. great pick up
April 28th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Tommy Streeter 6′5 4.40 40yd. Just needs to bulk up some would have been a way better pick. Way more potential
April 28th, 2012 at 12:33 pm
Plus Burriss looks like a very good tackler. we have actual smart football players in our front seven now in Tollefson and Burriss… i like what we’re doing. it’s not anything flashy by any means though.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Big kid.. Somebodys gotta run slants over the middle.. Good size for sp teams.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
For what it’s worth, according to NFL Network’s draft tracker, Criner has the highest grade of any player picked this round at a 79.7.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onSTDBS38W8
Like what I see
April 28th, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Happy we got a big time WR! Watched a lot of PAC 12 ball this year, and this guy is awesome! Jenning 2.0! He’ll work well playing the Andre Johnson roll in our system!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Once again, when Raiders pick….COMMERCIAL or time for an interview!
NFLN and BSPN never cease to amaze me.
Some of you Twitter Tweakers need to make this point to Eisen and the other dudes over there at NFLN and ask them how come that always happends when Raiders pick?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Biography: Full-time starter the past two seasons and awarded all-conference honors as a junior. Senior totals included 75 catches/956 yards/11 TDs after he had 82/1233/11 the prior year.
Positives: Large, reliable possession receiver with a solid game. Plays with good balance and body control and has a smooth style. Strong makes the difficult reception in a crowd and can outmuscle defenders to come away with the ball. Easily adjusts to the errant throw, makes the reception in stride and quickly transitions from making the catch to running downfield. Displays terrific eye/hand coordination, exceptional focus and consistently extends to make the reception away from his body. Shows the ability to break tackles.
Negatives: Lacks the second gear, possesses just a short burst and not a field stretcher. Loses focus on occasion and drops some catchable throws. Missed some time at Arizona with personal issues.
Analysis: At the top of his game, Criner can be a game-controlling possession receiver who takes over a contest. He has all the skills necessary to be a productive second wideout if he?s able to maintain focus and continue to improve his game.
Projection: 5th
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2012/players/78990.html#ixzz1tMib6bPL
April 28th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
YA, good info. no one thought Moore was anywhere near what he was last year, includin myself. the 20 ypc jumped out at me. this kid in any way similar?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
criner good value for rd…will be a good Wr for the nation
April 28th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
I think Reggie is mostly throwing out considerations of need and going best available, as he said he would. I think it’s a good philosophy, especially at this point in the draft where a guy is 50/50 to ever even make it out of camp. No sense in drafting a CB if there’s not one you like even if you’ve got a need there.
Felt like WR is pretty well locked up with DHB, Moore, Ford, Murphy, McGee and even Calhoun. But Criner had impressive production in college. Good value.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
150. Hands?.. Criner catches tds.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Here is a tape of Criner vs Oregon. Some very bad drops.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptuq-mLgfeM
April 28th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Criner is a perfect compliment for Moore, Ford, and DHB.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:36 pm
Never mind that last post
April 28th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
Criner is a great hands guy for redzone and 1st downs. Quality pick Steeter has questionable hands.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onSTDBS38W8
two badazz catches in a row on the first two plays it shows. very impressive hands.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
xraided Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
YA, good info. no one thought Moore was anywhere near what he was last year, includin myself. the 20 ypc jumped out at me. this kid in any way similar?
++++++++++
Actually I had DMO as a starter when we drafted him.
Also had him as WR 1B just behind JFORD 1A
April 28th, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Hebron Fangupo NT/DT BYU
Miles Burris, LB, S.D. St. GOT HIM ALREADY!
Billy Winn, DE, Boise St.
Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska charged with hitting cop recently, best in zone
Adrien Cole MLB La. Tech
Audie Cole, LB,
Edwin “Rock” Baker, RB
David Molk, C
Leonard Johnson, CB Iowa St
Asa Jackson, CB, Cal Poly
Chris Polk, RB
Keith Tandy FS-CB West Virginia
Vick Ballard, RB
Trevor Guyton, DE, Cal
April 28th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Criner – I am just glad he is out of the PAC and not smoking my Beavers anymore. I don’t know how good of a pro he will be but he was good in the PAC.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
oops Jackson and Ballard off board
April 28th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Based on his scouting report, Criner sounds like he could be a valuable asset in the red zone.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:40 pm
anquan boldin 2.0
April 28th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Wow, an Oakland receiver who catches with his hands….instinctively? I like the pick…as long as his character is okay.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
last pick Jeremy Lane is a CB not a C like nfl.com says
April 28th, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Well….draft day is done for me today Nation. I gotz to get out and things done! Too nice outside.
Hope McK goes back to getting smart, productive hard working football platers in Round 6 and Round 7.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:43 pm
You gotta love some of this bs that scouts put out there: “relies on his size” is what they say about our last two picks. That’s like saying Biletnikoff “relied on his hands.”
April 28th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
What did we get in the trade?
April 28th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
OK i want to ask one question ? WHo did we have that was a big Red ZOne threat on our roster? NONE .. SO great Pick up .. Now stfu already
April 28th, 2012 at 12:45 pm
YoungAmerican Says:
April 28th, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Sigmund Bloom @SigmundBloom
Juron Criner the anti-Al Davis WR. Great talent to mix with speed of Ford/DHB and highwire act of Moore
*************************
When Criner is on he is the redzone, third down blanket in the mold of Bliltnecoff. He does take whole games off mentally though. If the Raiders can fix that they got something.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:47 pm
well Thec good call then. he looked like a “sleeper” by a lot of people, but i never believed the hype. until i saw him in Training camp and preseason, then i was convinced. even Campbell could hit him down field. that’s what amazed me the most, lol
April 28th, 2012 at 12:48 pm
Autumn Wind, again the same thing was said about Moore. and he even showed that his rookie year. disappearing for a couple of games.. it’s all about consistency in the NFL, hopefully he can push Murphy to play better. looks like the T.O. speculation just took a screetching hault!
April 28th, 2012 at 12:49 pm
178. LOL
its hard to judge any player in this draft at this point. if Bergstrom and Crines are like last years Wiz and Moore for us(instant solid starters), then i’m happy with this draft.
April 28th, 2012 at 12:50 pm
Is the niners coach on meth? Starting to look like a tweaker
April 28th, 2012 at 6:16 pm
check21 Homeopathic Supplements…
[...]Raiders stick with defense for third draft pick – Inside the Oakland Raiders – A look inside the world of the highly classified Oakland Raiders from the writers of Bay Area News Group[...]…