Oakland Raiders: Which Receiver Steps Up Behind Amari Cooper?
By Dan Fappiano
Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Andre Holmes (18) is defended by Buffalo Bills cornerback
Corey Graham(20) in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Holmes brings up one of the biggest question marks amongst the Raiders receivers. He has great size at 6’5″, comparable to Lions’ receiver Calvin Johnson, but Holmes has never really put up the numbers to be a reliable NFL starter.
Holmes has been in the league for four years, spending his first two with the Dallas Cowboys before coming to Oakland. Holmes never really got a chance to play in all those seasons appearing in only 17 games out of a possible 48, and only starting four. He got his “big break” in 2014 after the injury to Streater, playing in all 16 games and starting 13.
He took that big break and ran with it to the tune of 47 catches for 693 yards and 4 TD’s. These numbers are extremely lackluster for a player who was trusted to start 13 times for his team. But he did lead the team
One role Holmes excelled in was yards per reception. Much like Streater in his early years, Holmes managed a solid YPC with an average of 14.7 yards per catch. That average was good enough for 23rd best in the NFL.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
Holmes, like Streater is extremely athletic. He ran a 4.53 40 yard dash at the combine, which is comparable to Cowboy’s receiver Dez Bryant, and he led all rookie wide outs in the broad jump, jumping 130 inches. Holmes will need to tap into his athletic ability to be able to hold a spot on the roster.
Another thing bringing Holmes down is his similar skill set to Streater. He does have some height on Streater, but both are possession receivers. And Streater has proved that he deserves an NFL roster spot when healthy.
Holmes is on a one year deal, and he must prove he is a worthy complementary receiver if he wishes to stay in the NFL.
Next: Brice Butler