Sep 18, 2011; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) celebrates a touchdown reception during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders have done a very good job in picking gem receivers. Jacoby Ford, Denarius Moore, and Rod Streater were unheard of before the Raiders implemented them into their offense.

However, none of these receiver have really proven themselves as consistent game changers. Raider Nation has seen glimpses of greatness from all three, but are they considered elite?

I believe Ford and Moore have great potential of one day becoming part of an elite receiving unit. But in order for this to happen the team cannot rely on young unproven talent such as Juron Criner and Rod Streater. The latter of the two played a big role in Oakland’s 2012 offense, but that doesn’t make him a great or even good receiver.

What the Oakland Raiders need is veteran talent. Somebody who has proven themselves to be of great use. Free agents like Brandon Lloyd and Joshua Cribbs remain unsigned. If McKenzie could find enough cap space for even Mike Sims-Walker or Austin Collie it most likely would yield better results than relying on undrafted free agents to fill in the thin depth at receiver. Not saying Streater wont get his catches, but I don’t see him as someone worth relying on (of course I still hope Streater proves me wrong).

Personally I think the speed of Joshua Cribbs would match up well with the burning speed of Jacoby Ford. These two would open up Denarius Moore like a book.

When I look at great receiving corps two squads come to mind. First, the 2012 Atlanta Falcons. Using Roddy White and Julio Jones to draw off defenders, Harry Douglas, found himself wide open. The three player tandem worked so well the Falcons often found themselves able to drive down into field goal position with less than a minute on the clock. This offense won games for this team.

The second team I look at is the Green Bay Packers. The use of Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and Jordy Nelson won them a Super Bowl. And they helped Matt Flynn set a Packer record against the Detroit Lions.

Of course both of these teams have excellent quarterbacks in Matty Ice and A-Rod. But it surely benefits these throwers to have such great communication between receivers, giving them the ability to open each other up.

Can Rod Streater become a Harry Douglas or would Oakland be better off with a Josh Cribbs? Surely it would help with depth in injury situations. After all Oakland finds themselves in that predicament quite often. If you disagree with me feel free to inform me on your idea of what Oakland should do with their pass catchers. The comment box is right below.

Like Darren McFadden, Jacoby Ford has had his career hindered by the injury bug. The receiver out of Clemson busted out onto the scene his rookie year helping the Raiders to an 8-8 season. For most teams that would be mediocre. But for a team that had suffered like the Raiders it was a sign. A sign that Oakland was no longer a joke. No more were they the team that was marked off as an easy win on opponent’s schedules. But things tend to get worst before they get better, and an ugly part of the game came at an awful time.

During a routine preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, Ford suffered a lisfranc ankle injury. Most of you will recall Matt Schaub and Darren McFadden succumbing to the same injury.

However, Ford will be healthy and ready to go in the 2013 season. Back in pads Ford brings game changing ability to Oakland’s offense. Kansas City can surely attest to that as Ford broke the Raider’s team record for most all purpose yards by a rookie against the Chiefs. Not only is he an offensive weapon, but the former track star serves as a deadly kick returner as well.

July 31, 2012; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford (12) during training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Kevin Hart lookalike is one of the fastest players in the NFL recording a 40 time as fast as 4.126 seconds. Had he ran that at the NFL scouting combine it would have broken Bo Jackson’s record. Ford’s Flash-like speed and spidey hands give Matt Flynn a great target out of the slot.

Flynn is most proven throwing in west coast offensive type schemes. Relying on short dinks and dumps with great accuracy is surely something Ford can help with. His natural running ability is also greatly utilized in running off safeties, opening up teammates like Denarius Moore and Rod Streater.

All of Raider Nation should be extremely hyped to see Ford returning to the team, or coming home as the video would have it. The future is bright as this young receiver looks to help Oakland win many games and one day become a perennial Pro-Bowler.

That’s my opinion anyways. But what does Raider Nation think? Is Ford good enough? Standing at only 5’9 is he too small to play in the NFL? Comment below!

Nov 4, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fan Ralph Martinez (Living Shield Man) poses during tailgate festivities before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

The Raiders are only one week into the 2012 season and already injuries are claiming valued contributors on the roster. Ahead of tomorrow’s clash in Miami the Raiders have placed both Jacoby Ford and Ron Bartell on IR.

For Ford this marks the end of his season as was speculated once his foot surgery was announced. This marks two straight years of the same foot injury for the return specialist and playmaker from Clemson. It also signals a significant source of concern for the Silver and Black. No telling if this is going to be an ongoing issue during the course of Jacoby’s career or if he’ll bounce back after his season ending surgery.

Bartell, on the other hand, might be back as soon as the end of October if all goes well. Normally players placed on the IR are lost for the season. Under the NFL’s new rules each franchise can designate one player on a temporary IR that will be eligible to return after six weeks.

Bartell’s debut as a Raider lasted just one half as he was out after suffering a broken shoulder during the Monday Night disaster that was the loss to the Chargers.