2012 Team Outlook: Oakland
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, --- - Quality Backup
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Despite a mysterious mid-season disappearance that saw him spend two games catchless, Heyward-Bey had his best year as a pro in 2011 and looks to be a player on the rise. If the new coaches show faith in him (and his chemistry with Palmer continues to improve) Heyward-Bey will be in line for a big uptick in production.
UPDATE (8/10): Heyward-Bey has not yet heard from the league regarding discipline for his April 7 DUI arrest and subsequent no contest plea. A suspension is highly unlikely.
WR Rod Streater, --- - Not Draft Worthy
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Undrafted rookie Rod Streater has a decent chance to work himself into Oakland's receiver rotation and will likely start the season as Denarius Moore's backup.
WR Juron Criner, --- - Dynasty Only
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As a big, relatively slow, possession receiver Criner sticks out like a sore thumb on the Raiders. The fifth-rounder could serve a valuable niche for a team that lacks tall, physical receivers, but he'll have to outshine some of the speedier veterans before he'll earn his shot. Keep an eye on his preseason performance and file his name away for future reference.
WR Jacoby Ford, --- - Gamble (high risk)
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Hobbled by a foot injury early in Week 10 last season, Ford didn't see the field again. He may not regain the starting job he had won from Heyward-Bey after Week 8. Still, he is too talented to ignore altogether. Worth a late round roll of the dice in most fantasy drafts.
WR Denarius Moore, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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On a team of speedsters Moore is one step ahead. He was Oakland's best deep threat last year and earned high praise from Carson Palmer. He'll reprise his role as a homerun hitter and will tempt those owners willing to sacrifice consistency for the promise of occasional monster games.
TE David Ausberry, --- - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
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A converted wideout, Ausberry currently projects as a pass-catching complement to Brandon Myers. He could develop into an impressive, if only occasional, receiving threat.
