Oakland Raiders Versus The AFC West: Wide Receivers
By Kevin Saito
Jun 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Amari Cooper (89) at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Raiders
For the first time in a long time, the Raiders have a receiving corps that opposing defenses are going to have to be concerned about. There is some real talent among Oakland’s pass catchers, led by the rookie, Amari Cooper.
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Cooper has already made a huge impression through the offseason work with his precise route running, great hands, and ability to get open. A Carr to Cooper connection is going to rack up a lot of yards and put up a lot of points for the Raiders in the years to come.
There is some debate about who starts on the opposite side of Cooper, and who plays in the slot. Most people think that free agent add Michael Crabtree is a lock to start alongside Cooper, with Rod Streater – back and healthy from an injury that wiped out his 2014 season – will play the slot and be Oakland’s third wideout. That’s a debate that is far from settled at this point.
What is certain is that in Crabtree and Streater, the Raiders have some talented receivers who are going to be productive and put some points on the board.
The case for Streater to play opposite Cooper is a compelling one. In 2012, his breakout year, Streater showed that he’s a downfield threat, can make guys miss in space, and has the makings to be a number one receiver. With Cooper the clear cut number one in Oakland’s offense, having a guy with number one abilities, in Streater, playing opposite, would make the passing attack that much more lethal.
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That would free up Crabtree to play the slot where less is expected of him, but he can do some real damage and have a highly productive role in the offense. While Crabtree seemed to be slowing down last season after his Achille’s injury in 2013, matched up against linebackers, he would have a very distinct advantage.
Given the fact that Oakland is going to be using more up-tempo, spread style schemes, we are likely to see more three and even four receiver sets. Oakland also has some talent in the bottom of the rotation in Andre Holmes, Brice Butler, Kenbrell Thompkins, and even Josh Harper.
It will be a battle to see who gets the roster spots after camp between Holmes, Butler, Thompkins, and guys like Harper, but one thing is for sure – the Raiders are going to have a fast, deep, and explosive receiving corps this season.
Next: Number One