Oakland Raiders: Evaluating The WR Corps

Nov 16, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (85) runs after the catch while defended by San Diego Chargers free safety Eric Weddle (32) and strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (38) and inside linebacker Kavell Conner (53) during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Kenbrell Thompkins – Cincinnati 

Why do the Raiders have so many undrafted free agents on their roster, much less their WR corps? Kenbrell Thompkins is yet another undrafted player lining up out wide for the Oakland Raiders and that is another indicator of the lack of talent on this team. Thompkins was signed by the New England Patriots out of the University of Cincinnati and he was a week 1 starter.

Many believed that he could be the dynamic receiver Tom Brady was looking for but inconsistency and drops brought that dream back to reality. Thompkins was subsequently released by the Patriots a few games in to his sophomore season and was quickly signed by the WR-needy Raiders. He did little in the 12 games that he was a member of the team but it is difficult to join a team mid-season and make an impact.

He is the smallest of the Raiders receivers and gives Derek Carr an option to work with in the slot. He is one of the unknowns on this roster as he could be one of the better players or could simply flame out and find himself on the street once again. The question remains about Thompkins, if Tom Brady could not make him a servicable receiver then what hope does Derek Carr have?

Next: James Jones