Regardless of the health of Victor Cruz, the New York Giants have more talented players at the wide receiver spot than they can possibly fit on the 53-man roster. One of those players trying to earn a roster spot is Juron Criner. Let's look at Criner, who spent last season on the Giants practice squad, as we continue player-by-player profiles of the 90-man roster the Giants will bring to training camp.
2014 Season in Review
Criner spent the season on the Giants' practice squad. He came to the Giants after being released by the Oakland Raiders at the end of the preseason. Criner, a 2012 fifth-round draft pick, caught 16 passes for the Raiders in 2012, but played only eight games and caught just three balls in 2013. He finished that season on injured reserve with a shoulder injury.
2015 Season Outlook
Criner faces difficult odds to make the Giants' 53-man roster. He is one of 12 wide receivers currently on the roster. The Giants would generally keep six, maybe seven if circumstances allow. Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle and Dwayne Harris are assured of roster spots. Preston Parker, sixth-round pick Geremy Davis, Corey Washington and Marcus Harris would likely be the second tier. Criner, undrafted free agent Ben Edwards, Chris Harper and Julian Talley could be considered the third tier entering camp.
Criner is a 6-foot-3, 225-pound player who might be a possession type receover or red zone threat. He has averaged 10.7 yards per catch on his 19 career receptions. Criner is intriguing, but he will have to leap frog several players the Giants are more heavily invested in to stick around.