The Raiders struck gold with a wide receiver in the 5^th round of the 2011 draft, taking Denarius Moore, who proved to be an instant contributor last season as a rookie. The way Juron Criner has been impressing in practice, the Raiders coaching staff might be thinking they’ve struck gold again. Criner, also a 5^th round pick, but from this year’s draft, has really impressed in rookie minicamp, making at least 4 head turning catches in a 20 minute span, according to the Contra County Times.

This is still minicamp, but many felt Criner was a steal in the 5^th round. He’s not a vertical threat, but he’s got great hands and body control and made several jawdropping catches in his time at Arizona. He’ll start the season as no higher than 4^th on the depth chart behind Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore, and Jacoby Ford, but he offers a possession receiver element that none of those 3 do so he could push for playing time early, especially if he continues to impress in practice.

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