Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dillon Stoner possesses reliable hands and excelled in special teams while at Oklahoma State. Could he carve himself out an opportunity on the team this year?
Cracking the Raiders depth chat this year will be a tall task for any undrafted free agents looking to make the team. Whether the team lands perennial Pro Bowl wide receiver Julio Jones or not, the receiver unit’s crowded. Nevertheless, Stoner was a dependable receiver in his collegiate career. While he isn’t the fastest man on the field, he displayed great hands playing in the Cowboys’ offense. What Stoner lacks in speed, he makes up with a good football IQ and an ability to make things happen. Against Baylor last season, Stoner showcased his aptness for finding the red zone, not to mention, nasty stiff-arm technique.
Statistically, Stoner accumulated 191 receptions, 2,378 receiving yards, and 17 touchdowns. He did this while averaging 12.5 yards a catch during his career. However, his accomplishments on special teams also merit recognition as they’ll be key in him making the roster.
“It was kinda a no-brainer for me coming here.”
New WR @dillon_stoner joined the Morning Grind to talk Rookie Minicamp and Coach Gruden ðŸŽ™ï¸ Â» https://t.co/KZSPKeKwcJ pic.twitter.com/0eDY9bOiEi
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 11, 2021
The Raiders could always use help on special teams, right?
With the Cowboys, Stoner totaled 55 punt returns, averaging 6.8 yards a return. He also holds several milestones in the Big 12 conference, including in third and fifth in punt return yards during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, respectively. He was also second in punt return yards per return within the Big 12 during the 2019 campaign. No one’s expecting Stoner to win a starting job at wide receiver but given his collegiate exploits, he could find a niche role on special teams.
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*Top Photo: T.C. Brewster/O’Colly