Ronald Curry

Like his teammate Javon Walker, Curry, too, is at the mercy of JaMarcus Russell's development as a second-year quarterback. And like Walker, Curry is also returning from an injury, in his case, a spring surgery on his foot – though Curry's likely to be 100 percent in time for the start of training camp. And the similarities don't end there. At 6-2, 210, Curry's also a big receiver with decent speed who's able to make plays down the field. Curry's got excellent hands and good burst in the open field. Last season Curry averaged 13 yards per catch and 7.4 yards per target in the league's 24th-ranked passing game by YPA (6.4). Assuming Walker’s healthy, it's hard to say which receiver will be the big play guy and which would fill more of a possession/redzone role, but both should see plenty of targets if Russell earns the Raiders' trust.

Over the last four games of 2006, Curry caught 33 passes for 339 yards and a touchdown. When you adjust for context (Art Shell coaching, Andrew Walter at quarterback), that’s akin to having Jerry Rice’s career. At 6-2, 210, Curry’s got good size, and he’s got the speed to get behind defenses if the Raiders can ever get whoever’s playing quarterback for them enough time. Curry also had good quickness and change-of-direction skills, and his outstanding leaping ability allows him to go over top of smaller defenders. Curry’s slated to start for the Raiders opposite Jerry Porter, and if new offensive-minded Lane Kiffin can get the passing game back on track, there’s some upside here.

Curry caused quite a stir in 2004 when he became a favorite target of Rich Gannon to the tune of 50 receptions, 679 yards, and six touchdowns in 2004. However, multiple achilles injuries have derailed the former UNC basketball star's promising career. With the recent trade of Doug Gabriel, Curry could be a monster sleeper if he can beat out malcontent Jerry Porter for the No. 2 wide receiver spot opposite Randy Moss. And if he can stay healthy, of course.

Curry, a converted college quarterback and point guard from North Carolina, emerged in 2004, and at one point led the team in receiving before an Achilles tendon injury landed him on injured reserve. Prior to the injury, Curry had 50 catches for 679 yards and six touchdowns. The team is expected to take it slow with him in training camp, but his value could soar if starters Jerry Porter and Randy Moss were to miss time.

Curry will find himself buried on the depth chart and will need an injury to someone ahead of him in order to have an impact.