Oakland Raiders: 5 Observations From The First Week Of Camp

2. Rod Streater emerges as the top receiver:

Jul 30, 2013; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Rod Streater (80) catches a pass at training camp at Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders have struggled to find a clear cut top receiver in the last several seasons. Last year, Denarius Moore had the most receptions for the Raiders’ wide receivers, but finished third on the team behind tight end Brandon Myers and fullback Marcel Reece. Darrius Heyward-Bey was the Raiders’ hope of having a true number one, but that never panned out and he was released this offseason.
Enter Rod Streater, the undrafted free agent, who made a splash by winning a starting spot after camp last year and finished the year with 39 receptions and 584 yards. Streater is a big body that has shown the ability to stretch the field with his speed. He suffered from drops last year, as he was near the top of the league in the category.

Streater has entered camp with much more confidence after his successful first season. He has looked the part, while the rest of the receiver corps have suffered through inconsistent play and drops. Streater has looked strong in his route running, as he focused on improving that skill over the offseason. He has also focused on improving his hands, which has been evident with his consistency over his peers this camp.

The main key to Streater’s ascendency to the top spot is by gaining the favor of the quarterbacks. During the first few days, Streater has been a favorite target for all three quarterbacks, which should pay off with better chemistry as they enter the season. All signs point to Streater becoming the Raiders’ top receiving threat this season.