WR Juron Criner. Photo courtesy of University of Arizona
Q: You never know how things are going to play out, but a lot of scouting reports had you going up higher in the draft, did you have expectations about that? And were you surprised you lasted as long as you did?
Criner: I would quite say I had expectations, like you said, you never know how things are going to turn out, but you just have got to be patient and you just wait until your name is called.
Q: What would you say your strengths are as a receiver?
Criner: I would say my size, my body control, I have a basketball history, so that definitely helps me with timing jump balls, red zone threat.
Q: You're a Pac-12 guy, not straying too far from that. Do you see advantages to that? Is this a team that you followed at all?
Criner: I never really had a favorite team growing up, but I just watched players and so it will be great to come out there. Similar weather things like that and great players came out of there, [Fred] Biletnikoff, and so it will be great to go play for an organization like Oakland.
Q: With your size, has anybody talked to you about the possibility playing any tight end? Or is it strictly wide receiver?
Criner: Never, never had a thought to get that big.
Q: The Raiders have a history of speed and fast and measurables, how do you fit in with your 40 time into this organization now do you think?
Criner: I would just say that it is a difference from being on the field and having field speed, and straight-line speed. So I don't feel like I will have a problem with fitting in to that category.* *
Q: How much do you know about the offense that they might be running here and your fit into that?
Criner: Not much, just come in ready to learn and stay open minded about it and just pick up whatever you can from whoever you can.
Q: Are you familiar with any of the guys on the roster at all?
Criner: Yeah, a couple of their receivers are [Darrius] Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore, they have a couple young receivers.
Q: Where were you today? And what was the setting? And were you watching the draft?
Criner: Yeah, I was just at the house with the family, just watching out in Vegas.
Q: Did the Raiders contact you before this? Did you have any idea that they might pick you?
Criner: No, not until just before the pick. It was very exciting to be following and get the call.
Q: Did they show a lot of interest in you at the Combine? Or did you have any inkling at all?
Criner: Yeah, I talked with their scout a few times, but nothing out of the ordinary, nothing extra.
Q: And there was no visit to the facility?
Criner: No.
Q: So you are in Vegas, are you from Vegas?
Criner: Yes, born and raised.
Q: What high school?
Criner: Cannon Springs.
