Oakland Raiders: 5 Things To Keep An Eye On In First Preseason Game
By Kevin Saito
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Aug 2, 2015; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders receiver Austin Willis (13) at training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Who Steps Up In Oakland’s Receiving Corps?
It’s a given at this point, that the top two – and probably three – spots in Oakland’s receiving rotation are locked up. With rookie Amari Cooper, veteran free agent add Michael Crabtree, and returning veteran Rod Streater looking like they’ll be Derek Carr’s primary receiving trio, the question then becomes, who else in Oakland’s receiving corps is going to step up?
With Streater battling an illness, the door was opened for some of the other receivers currently on the roster to step into the breach. Kenbrell Thompkins, Andre Holmes, Brice Butler, Kris Durham, Seth Roberts, Austin Willis, and Josh Harper all have the chance to distinguish themselves and prove that they’re worthy of a roster spot.
The conventional wisdom says that Holmes and Butler – and to a lesser extent, Thompkins – have the inside track on securing a roster spot given their familiarity with the team. But Durham has had some nice plays in camp and UDFA Willis caught Del Rio’s attention as a Wes Welker type of receiver. And of course, there is Josh Harper, a former teammate of Carr’s at Fresno State, who has plenty of chemistry with the QB, and can’t be counted out just yet.
While Cooper may perhaps play a little more than expected though not the whole game, Crabtree likely having a light load, and Streater likely out on Friday night, the door is wide open for one of Oakland’s other receivers to step up and make a name for themselves.
But who will it be? Stay tuned…