Oakland Raiders: Five reasons they could miss the playoffs in 2018

Receiving Corps Does Not Deliver

When you cut a receiver who’s gained 2,500-plus yards, and scored 25 touchdowns over three years – as Michael Crabtree did over his tenure in Silver and Black – you better hope you’re replacing him with somebody able to provide that sort of production.

Especially when your depth chart isn’t exactly filled with stars in the making.

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Swapping out Crabtree for the soon-to-be 33-year old Jordy Nelson was a bold move. Some might say, not exactly the brightest of moves. Both Crabtree and Nelson are coming off very sub-par seasons, but where Nelson could overshadow Crabtree is in his attitude, precise route running, and very reliable hands – all three of which are necessary components of a Gruden-led offense.

Moving Crabtree off the roster will have the added benefit of forcing Amari Cooper to the center of the stage – he tended to be a little bit overshadowed by Crabtree at times – as Nelson is very clearly the number two on this team.

Beyond the top two, Oakland has Seth Roberts, who’s had some nice moments, but has been wildly inconsistent, and Johnny Holton, who seems like little more than the team’s primary long-ball threat.

With the free agent picking slim, the Raiders will very likely be turning to the draft to add some bodies to the receiving room. And they’re going to need some players who can step in and contribute right away, given how thin they are at the position.

With much of the focus on Gruden beefing up the offense to lead with a power-running game, they are going to need electric receivers as well. Remember, Rich Gannon wasn’t only just sitting back and handing the ball off on every play. Under Gruden the first time around, the Raiders had one of the league’s most dynamic – and pretty well-balanced – attacks.

But, they’re going to need the receivers to step up, be consistent, stop dropping balls, and be what this offense needs. If Cooper can’t regain the form he had his first two seasons in the league, and Nelson looks like a 33-year old receiver in decline, this offense is going to flounder.