Paging David Ausberry

Dr. Nick Chicoine – Sep 30, 2012

The Broncos play host to the Raiders this afternoon in Denver.  With Jacoby Ford out for the year with a Lisfranc injury, Darrius Heyward-Bey out with a concussion, Rod Streater just coming off of injury, and Brandon Myers coming off of a concussion, the Raiders are thin at Receiving options.

Brandon Myers is listed as questionable which means he will likely play and start, but his role in the offense against Denver may be limited due to his previous concussion.  Myers was absent from contact drills the majority of the week, and has been limited in practice.  Enter David Ausberry.

Ausberry has only recorded 3 receptions for 56 yards in 2012, but he has been noticed on each of those three passes.  Whether he was fighting for a first down on a third down conversion, or he’s dishing out a bionic stiff arm, the Raider Nation has noticed.   

Ausberry stands at 6’4” 258 lbs, with hands like spider man.   The former USC receiver was drafted in the 7^th round of the 2011 draft and was converted to Tight end because of his size.  Ausberry’s main criticism comes in the running game.  Ausberry’s blocking has been serviceable, but noticeably less productive than both Brandon Myers and Richard Gordon.  Ausberry is a big athletic weapon in Carson Palmer’s arsenal, and is averaging 18.7 yards per catch.   Look for Ausberry to be more involved in the passing game today against the Broncos. 

Ausberry’s size and athleticism resembles that of Raiders full back Marcel Reece.  Both are converted wide receivers, and both are athletes playing traditionally less athletic positions.  We’ve seen what Reece is capable of, now it’s time to see Ausberry step up and show that he can be a dynamic asset to the Oakland Raiders passing attack.

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