Oakland Raiders: Which Receiver Steps Up Behind Amari Cooper?
By Dan Fappiano
Nov 9, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Brice Butler (12) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Butler is another peculiar receiver. He has been in the league for two years after being drafted by the Raiders in the seventh round in the 2013 draft. While not much is usually expected out of 7th round receivers, Butler has yet to show any potential.
That is not to say he won’t. At only 25 years old, Butler has time to prove his worth. But on a team looking for a immediate impact receivers, Butler seems like more of a long-term prospect.
Through Butler’s two years and 25 games total, he has caught 30 passes for 383 yards and 2 TD’s. The most concerning part about his mediocre stats has to be that through his two years, he has only averaged 15.3 yards catching per game.
Butler does stand 6’3″ which is equivalent to Rod Streater, and he did run a 4.37 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. He brings a ton of athleticism that can provide dividends for the Raiders.
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The only concern is when and if he will see the field. Butler is no higher than fourth on the wide receiver depth chart. It isn’t that his contract is too hefty, being paid $585,000 in 2015 and $675,000 in 2016, but the Raiders already have two players with the same skill set in Holmes and Streater, and the team could easily find someone just as good in the draft.
So while his height and speed are both pluses, the Raiders can find someone with the same form of athleticism, but someone who provides results.
For 2015, Butler holds the advantage over any late round rookie wide receivers or undrafted free agents due to his time spent on to the team. But that is a tenuous hold, at best.
Butler has to prove his worth in 2015. While being a long-term prospect is nice, at some point he has to prove his value to the team. His height-speed combination can suit any team, but you cannot be a wide receiver in the league without performing in the regular season.
Next: Kenbrell Thompkins