Oakland Raiders: Five Players Who Have The Most To Prove In 2015
By Kevin Saito
Sep 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater (80) watches action from the sideline against the Houston Texans in the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Texans defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
It seems crazy that Rod Streater, the former UDFA gem, would be one of the players who have the most to prove this season. Though it may seem crazy, it is still true.
In 2013, Streater looked like he was shaping up to be the true number one receiver the Raiders haven’t had for so long. With 888 receiving yards on just 60 receptions – an average of 14.8 YPC – and four scores, Streater looked well on his way to establishing himself among the better receivers in the league. His numbers in 2013 are all the more impressive when you factor in Oakland’s quarterbacking situation that season – Terrelle Pryor, Matt McGloin, and Matt Flynn all took turns throwing the ball for the Raiders that season.
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But an injury robbed Streater of all but three games in 2014, and after the acquisition of Michael Crabtree and the draft pick of Amari Cooper, Streater finds himself battling for playing time. Some have him starting opposite Cooper while others think Crabtree will get the nod.
However the depth chart shakes out, Streater isn’t going to be Oakland’s number one receiver. And given that he’s playing on a one year deal, if he doesn’t step up and prove that he can and should be on the field as often as possible, as inconceivable as it seemed following his 2013 campaign, Streater may find himself looking for work elsewhere at this time next season.
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