Kenbrell

Thompkins

The former Patriots standout undrafted rookie from 2013 caught just 4-of-11 targets this preseason for 27 scoreless yards. He also dropped two passes. The Raiders have a ton of No. 3/4 receivers behind Amari Cooper, and Thompkins is one of the odd ones out. Neither big nor fast, Thompkins is a possession-type.

Thompkins was on the field frequently in this game as the Raiders used three-receiver sets consisting of him, Andre Holmes, and James Jones. It appears Thompkins has bypassed Denarius Moore for No. 3-wideout duties.

Claimed off waivers on Monday, Thompkins has already earned a litany of compliments from the Raiders’ coaching staff. OC Greg Olson said Thompkins “has a tremendous work ethic,” is an “intelligent player” and “looks like a polished receiver.” Not bad for three days’ work. It is difficult to take this news with anything but a grain of salt. We have seen glowing practice reports before from Thompkins, but they have rarely been harbingers of on-field success. Thompkins may climb the depth chart in Oakland, but is unlikely to come into any fantasy value this season.

Waiver by the Patriots on October, the Raiders claimed Thompkins. He peaked as the No. 3 wideout behind James Jones and Andre Holmes, but was mostly a rotational sub. Thompkins is under contract for just $585,000 in 2015 if the new Raiders regime wishes to keep him on board. Expect a training camp battle with the likes of Brice Butler.

Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, and Rod Streater were the Raiders’ top-three receivers this spring and will head to camp atop the depth chart. Thompkins reportedly impressed at padless practices, while Holmes didn’t generate much buzz. Holmes is a legitimate downfield threat, but Derek Carr didn’t throw deep as a rookie and Holmes tumbled down the depth chart. It’d probably be best for Holmes to escape the Black Hole and get a fresh start elsewhere.

Pathetically, Thompkins led the Raiders in receiving on a day where the offense was putrid, as usual. Thompkins is a sub-package receiver in Oakland’s offense, behind James Jones and Andre Holmes. He has no re-draft value.

Thompkins won’t be a Week 9 fantasy option if he does suit up. Thompkins has four catches in three games as a Raider. All four came in Week 8.

Thompkins has emerged as Oakland’s No. 3 receiver behind Andre Holmes and James Jones. He will likely run a lot of routes at Richard Sherman on Sunday.

He saw two targets. The Raiders’ third receiver has no fantasy value.

He saw a team-high seven targets. Thompkins’ big gain was a 50-yard catch deep down the middle in Aaron Williams’ coverage. He was tackled at the four-yard line, and James Jones secured a three-yard touchdown a couple plays later. Thompkins is the No. 3 receiver behind Jones and Andre Holmes, but the Raiders throw the ball a ton. Oakland will head to Denver for the Week 17 finale.