Juron Criner
6'4, 210 pounds | Wide receiver | Arizona
First word: Juron Criner is among those in a talented top-tier of wide receiver prospects in the 2012 NFL Draft. The trouble is, he's probably not better than some of his contemporaries. Because of that, it's hard to get really excited about Criner.
What he is, though, is just good enough to possibly be a first-round pick. He's clearly got the frame, his hands and speed are good and there are no known character flaws in Criner's game. One perceived negative is that he plays in a pass-happy offense designed to easily get him open. A bigger concern could be Criner's struggles to get off the line in jam situations.
Some will also point out the off-field issue that put his senior season in jeopardy, but that's simply overblown rumor mongering.
Bold statement: Criner may never pass Alshon Jeffery, Justin Blackmon or Jeff Fuller as prospects, but he could still be a first-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Games viewed: (All 2010) Iowa, Oregon State, Washington, Stanford, USC, Arizona State, Oklahoma State
Juron Criner NFL Draft prospect notes
Juron Criner
6’4, 210 pounds | Wide receiver | Arizona
Notes:
• For a taller receiver, Criner has good speed, both with and without the ball. Plays faster than he’ll time. Can be a weapon on end arounds.
• Has a long, thin frame that should be able to carry a lot more bulk. Can be easy to take down at times.
• Struggles at times to beat the jam at the line of scrimmage.
• Strictly a boundary receiver at the next level because
• Knows how to use his speed to get a step on defensive backs. Speed and quickness are the top ways Criner gets open.
• Is used quite a bit on screens and underneath routes.
• Hands are good but not great. In 2010, Criner had a tendency to let the ball into his frame a little too much.
• Really not much of a blocker. While this has never been a deal breaker for wide receiver prospects, Criner is worse than most.
