Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Craig is not a wide receiver many NFL Draft enthusiasts looked into ahead of the 2015 NFL Draft. He didn’t have an exciting collegiate career at the position. That being said, he is ready to prove himself with the chance that the Cincinnati Bengals have given him.
Coming out of high school, he was ranked as the third-fastest athlete in the nation. Speed is something that can’t be taught.
There were some issues during the early part of Craig’s collegiate career with the Clemson Tigers, and he ended up getting dismissed from the team on charges of domestic violence. That was a real changing point in Craig’s life, and he got back on the right track. He spent one year in Memphis this past season, and there was an obvious change in his demeanor, work ethic and all-around attitude.
Craig caught just five passes for 74 yards and was the lead kickoff returner for the Tigers, returning 20 kicks for 448 yards. Now, he is set to begin his NFL career with the Bengals and he talked a bit about his game and what he can bring to the field.
“I’m a very fast guy that can get open and will catch the ball. I have great strong hands, and I have great ball security. Andy Dalton is a great quarterback and I feel that I can fit in with him and the Bengals’ offense. I am not the biggest guy physically, but I play with a huge heart and full speed every play.”
The draft process was not easy for him, as he knew that he wouldn’t end up getting drafted. His numbers simply weren’t good enough.
“The draft process for me was tough, stressful and different from most. I didn’t have great statistics so I knew I had to go the free agency route. I attended the regional combine and got invited to the super regional combine in hopes that I could allow my speed to grab the attention of some scouts. My agent spoke with the Bengals, Colts, Jaguars and Dolphins.”
While he hasn’t showed off huge numbers, he knows that there is a lot of work he can do to improve his game.
“I’m always willing to get better. Anything I can learn from the coaches and players to use will be helpful. I’m a very fast guy that can blow past anyone on any play. Whatever it’s going to take to make this roster will be done without any problem.”
That type of enthusiasm and willingness to learn and be coached is important for a young player. He has a relationship with Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green, and he is excited to learn from him.
“I played against A.J. Green in high school every year of the playoffs. He went to Summerville and I went to Gaffney. I threw an interception within the last second of a playoff game which allowed him to go to the state championship. So I’ve been looking up to him for a long time and to get the opportunity to learn from him and play alongside of him is more than a blessing!”
Plenty of NFL wide receivers have made roster due to their speed, and Craig mentioned one in particular that his game resembles.
“I like watching Tavon Austin. He’s fast just as I am and has the ability to take the ball to the house every time he touches it. First downs are good, but I try to score every time I get the football. I would love to race him as well.”
Despite all of the issues that he has had throughout his football career, he has the type of personality to win fans over to his side.
“I would love the fans to know that I am a hard working football player that is always looking to get better. I did get in trouble at Clemson but I’ve more than matured and understand this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’m going to make the most of it. Cincinnati is a great city that I would love to be a part of and I’m looking forward to getting up there.”
It will be interesting to see whether he is able to make the Bengals’ roster, but if not this won’t be his last shot at playing football for a living.
All quotes are from an exclusive interview between Evan Massey and Joe Craig.
