4.06 Detroit Vipers — WR Juron Criner

In the real world: The first half of Criner's 2011 season was a downer for these reasons: He lost time in the summer when a close family member became ill. He missed one game in September due to an appendectomy. He missed more than three quarters of one game in October with a mild knee sprain. The Wildcats had regressed as a team, starting out 1-5. Over the final six games of the season, however, Criner had 49 receptions for 616 yards and 8 touchdowns, suggesting a recovery of the form he showed in 2010 (as well as a few games in 2009). Matt Waldman calls him "one of my favorite players in this rich draft class of receivers." Todd McShay, after the Raiders selected the 6'3", 224-lb. Criner, said this: "Criner is the anti-Raiders receiver. While everyone else will be streaking downfield, he'll be settling in zone coverage, using angles and his big body to shield defenders and taking advantage of the other receivers stretching the defense to get open for QB Carson Palmer. Criner won't separate from defenders and will always be making contested catches, but his hands and sideline awareness are also assets and Criner could become a valuable contributor."

In the TUFF world: Criner could be a good #2 receiver in Oakland — the Raiders don't have anyone else with his size — and having him as a handcuff for Jacoby Ford is a bonus. He's going well before the 54th pick in most rookie drafts, and the majority of the writers at footballguys.com put him among the top 35 in their rookie rankings. I'm usually leery of players whose grades with Scouts, Inc. grades decline from the 80s in September to the 50s in April, as Criner's did this past year; however, I'm willing to wager one fourth-round pick that this one time, Scouts, Inc. is wrong.