While Criner isn’t a big-name wideout prospect, he does have all the right tools to make a significant contribution during his rookie season.
The University of Arizona product finished his collegiate career with 209 receptions, 2,859 yards and 32 touchdowns.
At 6’3”, 224 pounds, Criner has good size and strength. He possesses good vision and lateral quickness—which explains why he runs so well after the catch and why Arizona consistently looked to feature him in its spread offense.
The Wildcats often looked to get him into the open field by running him off slip-screens and even used him out of the backfield.
Aside from his playmaking abilities, Criner also demonstrates tremendous body control and ball-tracking ability in the red zone.
Although he sounds like a first-round talent, Criner comes along with an undisclosed health issue that jeopardized his entire senior season.
He also lacks explosive and breakaway speed.
Although the 22-year-old former second-team All-American runs a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, he managed an overall average of 13.68 yards per catch.
Thanks to his field presence, quarterback-friendly frame and strong hands, Criner should prove to be a solid third-option for any team.
The Oakland Raiders shouldn’t be afraid to send him across the middle from the slot, or line him up on the outside.
Criner should develop into an extremely fundamentally sound wideout and prove to be one of the steals of his draft class.
Pick Analysis
Criner comes with a good base set of skills and large body. He is a nifty possession-receiver who should fill a void in the Raiders' passing attack.
Grade: B
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
